University sends 60 tonnes of food waste to AD plants

Keenan Recycling, which was engaged via the TUCO framework, worked closely with the university to have more than 900 food caddies and 55 external bins put in place across 12 locations as students arrived on campus at the start of September.

It has reported that the energy generated from the contract will be equivalent to 5,250 students being able to fully charge their phones.

The Russell Group university appointed Keenan Recycling as its food waste contractor at the start of the academic year.

Waste

University of Liverpool’s waste and recycling officer for facilities, residential and commercial services, Sam Hay, said: “We averaged 1,354 tonnes per year of general waste between 2009 and 2019, a total which was reduced to 910 tonnes in 2022/2023.

“The objective for 2025 is 677 tonnes, which would see a reduction of 50% from the 10-year average. Across the calendar year the total food waste that can be recycled could be 60 tonnes and that is a huge positive for our waste reduction targets.”

He added: “It was a tight timetable, but together we managed to have it all set up, and the students could begin recycling their food waste from day one, which was important. As we continue to segregate our food waste, our general waste will reduce and that will also have an impact when it comes to expense.”

“Keenan weighs each bin on collection, which means we are provided with an accurate figure for every single one. This gives us the opportunity to compare data and performance at each of our buildings, identifying any opportunities for improvement.”

‘Thrilled’

Claire Keenan, director at food waste specialist, Keenan Recycling, said: “We are thrilled to be playing such a crucial role in the university’s journey to net zero.

“We pride ourselves on our service, so to hear about the positive impact that our activity is having on the daily operations in Liverpool is wonderful.”

To find out more about changes in the sector, visit the National Letsrecycle.com Conference on 6 March at QEII Centre in London. To book tickets to attend or for more information please click here.