Successfully developing and operating AD plants for treating and recycling commercial and municipal food waste
Wise, S., Shanks Waste Management, UK
(free)
The UK Government has a vision and commitment to reduce organic waste sent to landfill and the impact of Climate Change whilst increasing the production of renewable energy, improving energy security and the recycling of organic waste. With a requirement to meet Landfill Allowance Targets (LATS), increasing landfill tax and public concerns over the environment Anaerobic Digestion (AD) has an increasingly pivotal role to play. The treatment of food waste using AD will achieve:
- Compliance with LATS;
- Increased energy security, sustainability and affordability through the production of energy and heat;
- Increased support to the green economy;
- Improvements in the fertility and sustainability of agriculture; and
- A significant reduction in carbon footprint.
To maximise this opportunity the ‘waste treatment sector’ needs to rapidly develop solutions to treat all food wastes e.g. with or without packaging, liquid or solid, for both the municipal and commercial sectors. The solution needs to be proven, cost effective, flexible and low risk. Uniquely for large waste management organisation Shanks has developed its own treatment process and expertise through the acquisition of Orgaworld in Holland. Shanks Group is now developing a network of organic waste treatment hubs using this proven treatment processes and experience for both municipal and commercial customers such as M&S.
This paper explains how a market leading solution focussing on the treatment of food waste only, is being successfully developed in the UK to provide a low risk, cost effective and sustainable solution for customers whilst helping the Government to achieve its long term vision and commitments.
