US-based technology company Divert has officially marked the start of construction on its integrated diversion and energy facility in Longview, Washington.

The facility is expected to potentially convert 100,000t of food waste from Washington and Oregon into carbon-negative renewable energy.

This will place the region closer to its waste food reduction and GHG emissions goals.

The 66,000ft² facility will supply companies with relevant information to help them waste less and contribute more edible food.

Divert CEO and co-founder Ryan Begin said: “Our company is eager to support businesses across Washington and Oregon in preventing waste and complying with food waste legislation.

“This is an important moment for Divert and the Pacific Northwest in driving transformative change for the industry and solidifying our commitment to a waste-free world.”

The Longview plant will comply with Oregon Metro’s Food Scraps Policy, Organics Management Law, and Washington’s HB 1799 law.

The processing plant will be equipped to acquire waste food from agricultural food producers, local governments, industrial food manufacturers, retail food consumers, food service, restaurants, and institutional and commercial waste generators.

Converting garbage from retailers and other industries into carbon-negative renewable energy, this plant will eliminate damaging methane emissions in landfills by using Divert’s depackaging technology and anaerobic digestion.

The factory is scheduled to open next year and is expected to mitigate up to 23,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ annually.