Food waste campaign kicked off by Emerald Biogas

The owners of a Newton Aycliffe food waste plant have launched a campaign aimed at North East schools called ‘Waste Warriors.’

Emerald Biogas, who operate a commercial anaerobic digestion facility in the region, aim to tackle a growing problem in food wastage.

The North East alone generates over 800,000 tonnes of food waste every year, and over 80,000 tonnes is generated by English schools.

Adam Warren, director at Emerald Biogas, said: “As part of the project we will work with the pupils to help them understand the growing impact of food waste disposal and the environmentally friendly solutions that are available. Food waste to landfill is a growing concern, with over 80 kilograms thrown away on average in a primary school each week.

“Through our initiative, pupils will have the opportunity to understand the problem of food waste and our innovative solution, which also results in the production of green energy.”

Five schools are already on board, with St. Edwards School in Middlesbrough, Coxhoe Primary School and Barnard Castle Prep School in County Durham, Hurworth Primary School in Darlington and Woodham Burn Community Primary School in Newton Aycliffe looking forward to getting started.

Stephen Jones, headteacher at Coxhoe Primary School, added: “Coxhoe Primary is very pleased to be involved with Emerald Biogas and their ‘Waste Warriors’ campaign.

“We are very conscious about the need to recycle and pupils in our school have already set up methods to recycle plastic, paper, tin and card so this is an exciting and innovative project to help pupils recognise how they can further lower the carbon footprint they leave.

“The idea that we can use food waste to create energy is intriguing and I am sure will appeal to all of our pupils and further develop their understanding of active citizenship and our responsibilities to take care of the planet by seeking alternative and renewable energy sources for the future.”

Alongside a presentation from the Emerald Biogas team on the benefits of recycling, pupils will work through a simple and fun workbook that will encourage collaborative working, creative design, problem solving and mathematics amongst other core skills. There is also a chance for the schools to win a £250 voucher by taking part in a poster competition.

Adam added: “This is an exciting opportunity to talk to pupils about innovative thinking and how we can all make a contribution to the energy shortage issue whilst tackling the food waste to landfill problem.”

The project will take place over a period of two weeks and during that time Emerald Biogas will collect the participating school’s food waste to process through the plant. Schools taking part will also be able to bring pupils on a site visit to the plant to experience the food waste-processing journey in action.