People powered Bio-Bug grabs the headlines

Our waste industry hit global headlines this August with GENeco's launch of its waste powered VW Beetle.

The quirky nature of the story was seized upon by the UK media and then quickly spread worldwide.

The vehicle, a two litre VW Beetle, converted to run on 'cleansed' biogas generated from the Bristol treatment centre - featuring Organic Waste's Sarah Barker at the wheel - graced the pages and screens of the national media.

It was a sub-editor's dream and generated headlines such as 'VW 'dung' Beetle', 'Poopowered car seen on streets of Bristol' and 'Plop Gear'.

Rachel Creed, organic waste manager said: 'All the waste streams that come into Bristol sewage treatment works, whether it is domestic, industrial or commercial, all contribute towards gas production that provides power for the Bio-Bug.When Bristol STWopens the AD treatment facility to allow the treatment of organic waste accepted direct into it's digesters, even more gas will be available for this sustainable mode of transport.'

The Bio-Bug has been modified to run on both conventional fuel and compressed 'clean' methane gas. The car is started using unleaded petrol but automatically switches to methane when the engine is 'up to temperature.' If the methane runs out the Bio-Bug automatically reverts back to petrol.

It does 5.3 miles to the cubic metre of biogas which means that just 70 families connected to the sewage treatment works at Bristol could provide enough 'fuel' for 10,000 miles of motoring per year.

If your customers would like their food waste streams to contribute to this innovative programme please call the OrganicWaste Teamon 01225 524 560.

The final word has to go the Sarah who, when asked if the car felt any different, commented: 'The performance was not affected in any way, when you put your foot down it just went like stink.'

Organic Waste news - Autumn 2010