Tenders for food-to-gas facility lodged

FOUR firms are in the running to operate the facility which will recycle food waste collected in the Capital.

AmeyCespa, Kelda Water Services, Shanks and Viridor Waste Management were shortlisted after submitting pre-qualification questionnaires.

When the procurement process began in February, more than 50 organisations expressed an interest in the work.

It is expected that winning bidder will provide facilities to convert food waste into biogas through a controlled composting process.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, the city council's environment leader, said: "This latest development in the zero waste project will help us to achieve our aim by making best use of our food waste by turning it into energy, as well as for use as a fertiliser.

"It also means that we are a step closer to commissioning a food waste treatment contract which will ensure that we will no longer have to send our food waste to landfill."

Following the receipt of final tenders, a preferred bidder will be chosen.

It is expected that the food waste treatment contract will be awarded by the end of 2012 and that the facilities would be operational in advance of 2015.