Waste recycler Warrens Group hailed for trailblazing green vehicle investment

A third-generation waste recycling and sustainability company has been praised as a potential world-leader after refreshing its fleet with greener vehicles.

Warrens Group has invested in four trucks capable of running on biofuel.

Bosses say the move means the firm is the first UK food waste recycling company to power its HGV waste collection vehicles with biogas converted directly from its own food waste customers.

However, an industry expert says the switch has wider implications, revealing it “could very possibly give Warrens Group the lowest carbon footprint for collection of food waste on the planet.”

The trucks will operate six days a week – with refuelling carried out on site at the family business’ Newton Aycliffe base – and collect food waste from pubs, restaurants, schools and supermarkets.

Antony Warren, Warrens Group director, said: “We pride ourselves on our forward-thinking and we’ve always been early adopters of the latest technology and methods.

“We took delivery of our first bio-fuelled vehicle in September last year and had always planned to add more,” added Antony, revealing its new biomethane gas-powered vehicles generate 84 per cent less carbon dioxide than diesel.

John Baldwin, a gas industry expert and managing director of CNG Services, praised Warrens Group for its environmental commitment, adding its move means it is blazing a trail internationally.

He added: “The acquisition of trucks powered by the biomethane gas they help to generate means CO2 emissions are reduced by almost 100 per cent – which could very possibly give Warrens Group the lowest carbon footprint for collection of food waste on the planet.”

Adam Warren, a fellow director at the firm – which aims to convert all distribution operations to fossil-free sources by 2025 – said it was important for the business to “practice what we preach.”

He added: “We firmly believe a sustainable business is a better business.

“Sustainability is something we advocate to all organisations and communities as we support their efforts to address the environmental issues caused by traditional methods of waste disposal.

“By powering our own fleet on the biogas it collects, we are demonstrating that when it comes to sustainability, we really do practice what we preach.

“We believe that if big business and industry fuelled HGVs on gas made from renewable sources, carbon emissions would be almost eliminated.”