Food waste to energy plant opens in Longview

May 04, 2026

A cutting-edge sustainability facility in Longview, Washington is tackling food waste by converting unsold products into renewable energy and agricultural fertilizer, helping reduce landfill use across the Pacific Northwest.

Divert Inc. recently announced the launch of its Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility, marking the first installation of its kind in Washington state. The 66,000-square-foot plant leverages advanced depackaging systems and anaerobic digestion technology to process surplus food and organic waste into valuable resources.

Turning unsold food into clean energy

Designed for high efficiency, the Longview facility can process up to 100,000 tons of unsold, non-donatable food annually. According to Divert, the site is expected to generate more than 235,000 MMBtu of renewable energy each year, along with approximately 450,000 pounds of nutrient-rich fertilizer.

This output is significant enough to:

• Power over 3,200 homes

• Support the production of 225 million pounds of apples annually

In addition, the facility is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 23,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent per year, contributing to regional climate goals.

Strengthening a circular food system

Ryan Begin, CEO and co-founder of Divert, emphasized the broader impact of the project, noting that localized waste solutions are critical as food disposal systems become more complex nationwide. The Longview facility is designed to enhance food recovery, generate renewable energy, and return essential nutrients to local agriculture—supporting a more circular and resilient food economy.

Supporting major retailers and food recovery efforts

The facility will serve a wide network of food industry partners, including:

• Albertsons

• Kroger

• Safeway

• Fred Meyer

• Reser's Fine Foods

Additionally, Divert is collaborating with Feeding America to increase food donation opportunities and support local communities facing food insecurity.

Helping businesses meet environmental regulations

The Longview plant also provides a compliant solution for businesses adapting to stricter environmental policies, including Washington state’s organics diversion requirements and Portland’s commercial food waste regulations. By redirecting organic waste away from landfills, companies can meet legal obligations while improving sustainability performance.

Renewable natural gas integration

Strategically located in an industrial hub, the facility benefits from proximity to energy infrastructure. Through a partnership with Cascade Natural Gas, renewable natural gas produced at the site will be injected directly into the existing pipeline network, supplying energy to homes, businesses, and industries that are difficult to electrify.