Bio Capital expands North East food waste network

A new partnership will see household food waste from around 250,000 homes in County Durham turned into renewable energy and biofertiliser.

Bio Capital has been appointed by Durham County Council as one of two providers responsible for processing household food waste, strengthening the company’s growing presence in the North East.

The agreement follows a recently announced partnership with Darlington Borough Council, which will see food waste collected from more than 54,000 homes processed by the business.

Food waste collected across County Durham will be taken to Bio Capital’s Warrens Emerald Biogas facility in Newton Aycliffe, where it will be processed through anaerobic digestion.

The process converts food waste into renewable electricity and biomethane gas, while also producing nutrient-rich biofertiliser for use on farmland.

Councillor Kyle Genner, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, environment and police relations, said: “Following food waste recycling schemes being introduced by the Government, we have been working hard to implement the service across the county. 

“Our partnership with Bio Capital means food waste collected across County Durham will be processed locally with a tangible benefit to our economy and farmers, alongside supporting our growing demand for energy. 

“We’re always on the lookout for great partnerships to help us deliver for residents, and we’re hopeful that’s what our partnership with Bio Capital will prove to be.”

The partnership comes as separate household food waste collections become an increasing priority for local authorities following the introduction of Simpler Recycling legislation in England.

Processing the material close to where it is collected is expected to reduce transport emissions while supporting the region's renewable energy infrastructure.

Bio Capital works with more than 20 councils across the UK and processes more than 500,000 tonnes of food waste each year.

The company operates a network of anaerobic digestion plants across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, producing renewable electricity, biomethane, low-carbon vehicle fuel, renewable carbon dioxide and biofertiliser.

Iain Pickles, head of commercial at Bio Capital, added: “We’re proud to be working with Durham County Council on a partnership that shows what food waste collection can really achieve at county scale. 

“County Durham has a major opportunity here. 

“Food waste from homes can be captured and processed locally and turned into renewable energy and biofertiliser that supports the wider circular economy.

“Alongside our recently announced partnership with Darlington Borough Council, this strengthens the North East’s role in showing how local authorities can move beyond compliance and build food waste systems that deliver real value for communities, businesses and the environment.

“Simpler Recycling has brought separate food waste collection into sharper focus, but the real opportunity is what happens next. 

“When food waste is managed properly, it becomes part of an intelligent cycle: powering homes and businesses, supporting farmland and reducing emissions.”

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