Newcastle City Council in England has trialled a food waste recycling initiative, which has passed a significant milestone - diverting over 300 tonnes of household food waste from landfill since its launch in September 2024.
The collected waste is being used to generate renewable energy and produce nutrient-rich biofertiliser, marking a successful demonstration of municipal-scale anaerobic digestion in action.
Food waste from approximately 5,200 participating households is transported to a facility in Wardley, Gateshead, where it undergoes anaerobic digestion alongside other organic materials.
The process produces biogas, which is either used in combined heat and power (CHP) engines to generate electricity and heat, or upgraded to biomethane and injected into the National Grid.
So far, the energy recovered from the trial equates to around 750,000 kWh - enough to power 281 homes or heat 67 homes for a full year.
In addition to energy, the anaerobic digestion process has yielded 198 tonnes of digestate, a liquid fertiliser that is now being used on local farmland. This not only supports regional agriculture but also contributes to a circular model of nutrient recycling, enhancing soil health and reducing the need for synthetic alternatives.
Households involved in the pilot, located in six wards including Kingston Park South and Newbiggin Hall, have been equipped with kitchen caddies, outdoor bins, and compostable liners. They are encouraged to recycle a broad range of food waste including cooked leftovers, vegetable peelings, tea bags, coffee grounds, and even takeaway scraps.
Councillor Alex Hay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, praised the community’s engagement, noting that residents are playing an active role in generating carbon-neutral energy and improving local sustainability. He said the trial is offering vital insight that will shape the rollout of food waste recycling across the city in the coming years.
The scheme positions Newcastle ahead of the curve on regulatory compliance, with the Environment Act 2021 requiring all councils in England to implement food waste collections by March 2026. This proactive approach demonstrates how local authorities can use bioenergy solutions not just to meet legislative demands, but to actively reduce carbon emissions and enhance environmental outcomes.
For stakeholders in the bioenergy and waste sectors, Newcastle’s trial offers a strong example of how integrated food waste systems can unlock value from organic waste streams while supporting decarbonisation and regional energy resilience.
