Experts are warning that the UK must urgently invest in anaerobic digestion capacity as food waste volumes continue to rise.
Around 36 million tonnes of organic waste are currently sent to anaerobic digestion plants each year. The amount is expected to grow further as weekly household food waste collections are introduced across England.
The increase follows the rollout of Defra’s Simpler Recycling reforms for businesses with ten or more employees. Since March last year, these organisations have been required to separate dry recyclables and arrange separate food waste collections.
As a result, more organic waste is being sent to anaerobic digestion facilities, sometimes referred to as “steel cows”. Similar requirements for households are due to come into force soon, which could further increase pressure on the system.
BusinessWaste.co.uk says some waste suppliers have already introduced additional charges for businesses due to rising gate fees at anaerobic digestion plants.
The UK currently has 756 operational anaerobic digestion facilities. However, industry figures suggest many smaller plants could face closure as subsidy schemes come to an end.
Anaerobic digestion breaks down organic material such as food waste without oxygen. The process produces biogas that can be used for energy and digestate that can be used as fertiliser.
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