Waste as a resource: Converting food scraps into renewable energy

The Region of Durham is planning a Mixed Waste Pre-Sort and Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Facility to convert organic waste like food scraps into a renewable natural gas that will be used to heat homes and power natural gas barbeques and vehicles.

Currently, the preferred location for the new facility is in Clarington, next to the Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC). While Durham’s population continues to grow—with an expectancy to reach more than 1 million people in the next decade—more residents will mean more organic waste, recyclables and garbage to manage. The new facility will free-up capacity at the DYEC for garbage that can be incinerated to create electricity.

With minimal environmental impacts and significant benefits that contribute to the Region’s climate change mitigation initiatives, the new facility and introduction of AD technology will not replace or eliminate the Region’s green bin program, but will provide opportunities to expand this diversion program through the inclusion of additional organic waste.

The new facility will be a first in North America—highlighting the environmental leadership underway in Durham Region.

To learn more about this project, visit durham.ca/ADproject.