On this episode of Waste World, Gage brings Andrew Johnston, Vice President of Industrials at Divert, on the show for an in-depth conversation on how Divert is scaling industrial food waste solutions nationwide. Johnston brings a blend of engineering expertise and commercial strategy to one of the most complex areas of wasted food infrastructure, and this episode explores what it really takes to build a future-ready system.

Andrew leads Divert’s industrials division, where he oversees facility development, logistics, commercialization, and large-scale industrial partnerships across the entire food value chain. With tons of experience guiding companies through growth, technology deployment, and operational efficiency, he has helped commercialize major anaerobic digestion projects and advance new models for food waste diversion. His multidisciplinary background, spanning engineering, market strategy, and systems thinking, shapes the way Divert designs flexible, scalable facilities and supports partners ranging from manufacturers to distribution hubs and logistics terminals.

During the conversation, Andrew breaks down the intricacies of operating industrial food waste facilities at a national scale, from the engineering behind anaerobic digestion to the coordination required across logistics, operations, and commercial teams. He shares how Divert balances feedstock volatility, why industrial partnerships must “play lightly with ideas,” and how the company positions facilities to local market conditions. Andrew also offers insights into emerging demand for end products like soil amendments, how customers are pursuing capital and operational efficiencies, and why a radically integrated national network will define the next decade of wasted food infrastructure.

Waste World - Episode 44: Andrew Johnston on Divert's Industrial Strategy

Waste World

Waste World - Episode 44: Andrew Johnston on Divert's Industrial Strategy