Food

Typical items we accept:

Packaged and unpackaged leftovers

Food preparation scraps

Fruit/veg waste

Background info

Food is a significant wasted stream - 73% currently goes to landfill but as much as 90% is recoverable and can be recycled.  In 2010 McGrath set-up a joint venture with specialist food waste company PDM to help us provide a comprehensive and innovative food waste solution to our clients.

Previously, only uncontaminated vegetable foods could be recycled using composting – all other food wastes were incinerated. We offer a 100% recyclable solution.

McGrath Food Recycling Solutions:

Either separated for large volumes or as a mixed recycling stream we provide a comprehensive and responsive collection service and would typically provide one or more of the following containers/systems on-site: Internal recycling containers, wheeled containers/enclosed skip.

How it is recycled:

Large items of plastic, glass, paper packaging or contamination are separated at our Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) and the residue is collected and removed to our recycling partner where further de-packaging is carried out.

Protein–rich food waste puree is typically pumped into a combined heat and power (CHP) plant where it is combusted at extremely high temperatures and the steam generated produces electricity that is fed into the national grid.  The heat produced is captured and re-used and separated packaging is used as a fuel by cement manufacturers.               

Non-protein rich puree is pasteurised and pumped into anaerobic digesters. The methane produced is captured and transferred to a generator which converts it into electricity. The digestate is supplied to local farmers as organic fertiliser.

KEY FACTS:

Applicable Regulations: Animal By-Products Regulations 2011

Percentage we recycle: 100%

Quantity of UK food waste: 11.8 million tonnes (WRAP)

Percentage recycled in UK: 100%

Average CO2(e) saving per tonne recycled:  –0.61 tonnes (Defra)