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With the UK government's Simpler Recycling legislation now in effect, businesses face a pivotal moment in waste management. Lee Dobinson, chief commercial officer at BioteCH4, outlines how companies can transition from general waste disposal to segregated food waste recycling. He emphasises the importance of early adoption, highlighting that proactive engagement with anaerobic digestion (AD) processors can transform compliance into a competitive advantage.

It is no surprise that with change comes some hesitation around what will happen to costs, processes and, in some cases, the sustainability of business processes. The challenge faced not only by manufacturing but by the wider industry is not impossible to overcome, though it is not without its difficulties.

Now is the time to act

Now is the time for businesses to take a robust approach to how they manage their waste output and get a head start on their competitors. Not only does correct food waste management have a positive impact on the bottom line for the business, but it also brings environmental and sustainability benefits.

It is estimated that the manufacturing industry currently sends 700,000 tonnes of food and beverage waste to landfills every year. Not only does this staggering figure contribute to the ever-increasing global and environmental problems we face currently, but it also bears significant financial implications on a business.

The anaerobic digestion (AD) industry supports the transformation of food waste into renewable energy as part of a wider portfolio of renewable energy businesses. Currently overlooked as a significant player in the renewable energy sector, AD is the government’s favoured route for food waste recycling as part of the Simpler Recycling legislation changes.

The anaerobic digestion process captures harmful gases released during decomposition (usually happening in landfill) and converts them into electricity, which can be used to power homes and businesses. Any surplus gas is treated and injected into the national gas grid as biogas, helping reduce environmental impact while providing valuable energy for society.

In addition to green energy, the final output of the AD process is a nutrient-rich biofertiliser which is used on local farmland to promote healthy crop growth and completes the link for a circular process, growing new crops to enter the food industry.

AD provides the best solution for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions being released into the atmosphere every year as misdirected food waste sits in landfill. By capturing and correctly processing unavoidable food waste as part of the food waste hierarchy at the point of manufacturing, the AD industry can process this to generate renewable energy, helping to combat the problem food waste causes and lessen the UK’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.

As the new legislation beds in, it is likely the AD industry will see around an additional 1 million tonnes of food waste enter the market over the next 12-18 months, while the AD sector can process this and create good from this hefty problem it is important businesses are talking to AD processors about their options around flexible waste management solutions.

The growing problem of oil and fats

Some processors have the capability to recycle a business's waste oils, fats and grease recycling from grease traps through to large quantities of wasted oil in the manufacturing process. It is a business's responsibility to ensure correct management of cooking oil waste streams, the safe disposal of these liquids is a legal requirement. Not only are there environmental benefits here but also financial.

When properly managed, recycled oil enters the biofuels market, where it can be processed and used in substantial quantities to meet the ever-growing demand of the biodiesel industry.

Identifying areas for improvement with the management of your cooking oil waste streams will not only help to reduce the impact that oils and fats accidentally released into the water system could have on your local area but also offer an opportunity for additional revenue for your business.

Proper procurement of an independent AD food waste processor and the implementation of innovative solutions offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the challenges faced by food and beverage manufacturers.

The benefits of AD

AD is a viable step towards a greener future and hitting the UK’s targets for net zero. I’d urge food and beverage manufacturers to consider AD as a solution for enhancing their sustainability credentials alongside the financial and operational benefits it brings.

By reducing operational costs through increased efficiency and reducing residual waste collection costs, AD can have huge economic benefits. It also reduces the carbon footprint caused by decomposing waste in landfill and can generate considerably more renewable energy than incineration processes.

In addition, AD can maximise operational efficiency. By having a set waste management plan for food waste, businesses can reduce waste costs and provide valuable data to front-end procurement teams, allowing more accurate ordering of raw materials. AD will also give compliance with legislation.

Talk to the AD industry now and start the process ahead of the implementation as not doing so will have financial penalties.