Divert Inc., a leading impact technology company, has announced the establishment of a new Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility in Harrison, Ohio. This facility aims to prevent food waste and stimulate local economic growth by creating new jobs in Hamilton County.

According to the press release from Divert, with over 63 million tons of food wasted annually in the U.S., and Hamilton County alone contributing 60 million pounds per year, the need for such an initiative is evident. This effort is especially crucial in a region where food insecurity affects 12.5% of the population, nearly 1% higher than the national average.

For nearly 17 years, Divert has been at the forefront of developing advanced technologies and sustainable infrastructure to combat food waste.

“Hamilton County is an important hub for agriculture and food manufacturing, and we are eager to introduce our mission and solutions to benefit this area,” stated Ryan Begin, CEO and co-founder of Divert.

He expressed gratitude for the significant local support and emphasized the positive environmental, economic, and social impact the company aims to bring to the community.

Divert’s strategy involves converting inedible wasted food into renewable energy and providing companies with actionable data to minimize food waste and increase food donations. This approach aligns with Cincinnati’s reputation as a leader in sustainability, highlighted by the city being named the No. 3 U.S. metro for sustainability by Site Selection.

Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati, praised Divert’s initiative, noting that transforming wasted food into renewable energy demonstrates the region’s commitment to advanced manufacturing and innovation.

The new facility in Harrison is expected to create 50 jobs and bring cutting-edge sustainable technology to the area. J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio, emphasized that the project will thrive thanks to the ingenuity and hard work of Ohioans.

Harrison Mayor Ryan Grubbs celebrated the collaboration between regional and state partners that facilitated Divert’s arrival, highlighting the critical need the company addresses for the local economy and workforce.

Tom Losekamp, president of the Harrison Township Board, welcomed Divert to the Harrison Township/City of Harrison Joint Economic Development District, emphasizing the company’s role in recycling food waste into clean energy.

This partnership is expected to benefit both the community and the state, turning local farm produce into gas and providing residents with sustainable energy solutions.

Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, Chair of the Hamilton County Solid Waste Policy Committee, also expressed excitement about the new facility, noting that waste diversion is a top priority. She highlighted the importance of bold steps and collaboration in making a significant environmental impact.

Keith Dailey, Kroger’s group vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer, noted that Divert’s facilities support Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan.

He emphasized that the new Ohio facility will enhance local communities by efficiently managing and recycling unsold organic products.

Divert currently operates 13 facilities across the U.S., capturing wasted food from retailers, food manufacturers, and other companies.

By transforming this waste into carbon-negative renewable energy, Divert prevents harmful methane emissions from landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

To date, the company has processed 2.6 billion pounds of wasted food and facilitated the donation of over 14 million pounds of food to communities in need.

Founded in 2007, Divert’s mission is to Protect the Value of Food™ through advanced technologies and sustainable infrastructure. The company’s end-to-end solution maximizes food freshness, recovers edible food for those in need, and converts wasted food into renewable energy.

With over 6,600 customer locations across the U.S., including five Fortune 100 companies, Divert continues to make a significant social and environmental impact by reducing food waste and supporting communities nationwide.