MyGug: Cork Company Turns Food Waste Into Cooking Gas

A Cork-based green technology company is offering households a way to convert everyday food waste into renewable energy at home, with a compact system that generates biogas for cooking and liquid fertiliser for the garden.

Developed by AmuGreen, the MyGug system is a small-scale anaerobic digester designed for domestic use. It can process up to 1.5kg of food waste per day, generating enough biogas for up to two hours of cooking. Alongside the energy output, it produces a nutrient-rich liquid feed suitable for plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.

The product comes as Ireland continues to grapple with one of the highest household food waste rates in Europe. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the country generated approximately 835,000 tonnes of food waste in 2023, equating to around 162kg per person.

Kieran Coffey, the Irish entrepreneur behind MyGug, says the system is designed to change how people think about what they throw away.

"We created MyGug to fundamentally change how people think about waste. Food waste should never be seen as something to throw away - it's a valuable resource, beyond convenience; the environmental benefits are significant. By enabling households to turn that waste into clean energy and liquid feed for the garden, we are giving people the tools to become more self-sufficient while also making a real, measurable positive impact on the environment.

MyGug can dramatically reduce carbon emissions while also decreasing reliance on waste collection systems and fossil fuels. It's about empowering individuals to take simple, practical steps that collectively deliver significant environmental benefits. In time, systems like this won't be seen as optional - they will be an essential part of every sustainable home."

Designed and manufactured in Ireland, the unit operates in all seasons and requires minimal intervention once installed. It has already been adopted across homes, schools, and communities.

MyGug retails at €3,450, including delivery and installation across Ireland, with payment options available. The company estimates households can begin to see a return on investment over three to four years, taking into account savings on waste collection, reduced energy costs, and the value of fertiliser produced.

Further information is available at amugreen.com.