UK’s ‘Poo Bus’ ran on human waste and food scraps. How five people’s annual waste fuels a 300 km journey

What if the waste people flush down the toilet could help power a bus? In November 2014, the UK introduced a vehicle that did just that using biomethane gas produced from human sewage and food waste to carry passengers between Bath and Bristol Airport.

The 40-seat vehicle, known as the Bio-Bus, could travel up to 300 kilometres on a full tank of gas. According to GENeco, the company responsible for producing its fuel, the amount of gas needed for that journey could be generated from the annual food and sewage waste of around five people.

The bus was operated by Bath Bus Company and ran on its A4 service between Bath and Bristol Airport, via South Bristol. It was described as the UK's first bus powered by human and food waste.

How Bristol’s Bio-Bus Turned Human and Food Waste Into Fuel

The Bio-Bus ran on biomethane generated through the treatment of sewage and food waste that was unfit for human consumption. The gas was produced at Bristol sewage treatment works in Avonmouth, operated by GENeco, a subsidiary of Wessex Water.

The fuel provided an alternative to conventional diesel for the bus. GENeco also installed a gas refuelling facility for the vehicle as part of the project.

According to the company, the bus could travel up to 300 kilometres on a full tank, with enough fuel for that distance produced from the annual waste of approximately five people.

When Did the Bio-Bus Launch in the UK

The Bio-Bus launched on November 20, 2014. Its first passengers included visitors travelling from Bristol Airport to Bath.

Bath Bus Company operated the vehicle on its A4 service, connecting Bath and Bristol Airport through South Bristol. The route served both airport travellers and people making local journeys.

The launch marked an early example of biomethane produced from sewage and food waste being used to fuel a passenger bus in the UK.

What GENeco Said About the Waste-Powered Bus

GENeco general manager Mohammed Saddiq said gas-powered vehicles could play an important role in improving air quality in UK cities. He also highlighted the local source of the fuel, noting that it came from waste generated by people in the surrounding area, potentially including passengers travelling on the bus.

GENeco said the Bio-Bus produced fewer emissions than traditional diesel engines. This was the company's stated environmental benefit of using biomethane to power the vehicle.

What Happened to the Bio-Bus After Its Launch

The Bio-Bus later moved beyond its initial route between Bath and Bristol Airport. According to GENeco's case study, after completing a successful trial on that route, the vehicle was used in regular service within Bristol.

In March 2015, The Guardian also reported that the bus was due to enter regular service in Bristol, operated by First West of England. The report said the service would use biomethane produced from human and household waste.

The Bio-Bus demonstrated how sewage and food waste could be converted into fuel for public transport. As per GENeco, the annual food and sewage waste of around five people could produce enough gas to power the bus for up to 300 kilometres.