Due to the UK Government’s new Simpler Recycling legislation, many businesses and their employees will be learning about food waste for the first time. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on the basics of food recycling.
What is food waste?
Food waste is any uneaten or out-of-date food that households and businesses no longer require.
Food waste falls into two categories: recyclable and non-recyclable. The types that can be recycled include:
- Fruit and vegetable peelings
- Raw or cooked meat and fish (including bones and shell)
- Dairy, eggs, and eggshells
- Carbohydrates (pasta and rice)
- Baked goods
- Tea and coffee grounds
- Pet food
Before recycling food, removal of any non-food products like cardboard or plastic packaging needs to take place. This helps to ensure that food waste streams do not get contaminated.
How does food waste affect the environment?
Food waste decomposes in landfill sites, releasing methane as it breaks down. This greenhouse gas is 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide when trapping heat in the atmosphere. Recycling prevents food from reaching landfills – which helps lower greenhouse gases and to protect the planet.
Where does food waste go?
Food recycling is repurposed into fertiliser that’s used on soil to help crops grow. Some food waste is also turned into biogas, an alternative renewable energy source that produces electricity, vehicle fuel, and heating for homes and businesses.
Since 2018, fast food giant McDonalds have been recycling their used cooking oil from their kitchens into biodiesel, which they use to help fuel their delivery trucks.
Once collected, your business food waste will be recycled in one of the following ways:
Anaerobic digestion
Food waste is placed into an anaerobic digester—a sealed, oxygen-free environment. Inside these large tanks, bacteria break down the waste. The mixture is then heated, causing the release of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
Instead of being emitted into the atmosphere, these gases are captured and converted into biogas. The remaining material, known as digestate or pulp, is nutrient-rich and serves as an effective fertiliser.
In-vessel composting
In-vessel composting (IVC) transforms organic waste—including food scraps and garden clippings—into natural fertiliser. The waste is first shredded, then placed into a composting vessel where controlled heating accelerates decomposition. Over 4 to 6 weeks, this process eliminates harmful microorganisms and produces fertiliser that can enrich soil and support crop growth.
What are the benefits of recycling food waste?
- Playing your part in protecting the environment
- Reducing your businesses carbon footprint
- Complying with legal waste management requirements
How can businesses stop wasting food?
- Only purchase what is necessary – stop overconsumption!
- Check use by dates before purchasing.
- Comply with Simper Recycling – make sure you recycle any food waste.
Want to speak with our waste team to discuss your business food waste?
Our waste management team can provide a comprehensive review of your current waste setup and give you recommendations on how to best manage your business food waste.
Reach out to us today: Contact Us – Consultiv Utilities
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