Canada’s ‘first’ closed loop organic waste to biomethane system starts operation

Canada’s first closed-loop and fully integrated organics waste management system has started accepting its first waste, which will be converted into renewable biomethane gas.

Operated by waste-to-product company Renewi, the facility in Surrey, British Columbia is apparently the largest of its kind in North America. It has the capacity to process 100% of the city’s organic waste over a 25-year contract term, along with commercial organic waste.

Situated in the Port Kells industrial area, the closed-loop facility can receive and process up to 115,000 tonnes of organic waste, including kitchen, yard and commercial, every year. The biomethane gas produced at the facility will be used to power the city’s waste collection lorries.

In addition to biomethane, Renewi’s facility will produce a compost product suitable for landscaping and agricultural applications.

“For Renewi, getting our Surrey facility to full operation is also one of the key initiatives to drive growth in the Municipal Division so I am delighted that we are continuing to deliver against that plan”, said James Priestly, manager of Renewi’s Municipal Division.

“This innovative closed-loop process shows exactly how we bring our ‘waste no more’ vision to life and play a connecting role in the circular economy. We now look forward to continuing to commission the plant and to commencing full service in 2018.”