Cambridge is on a mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city. It is estimated that emissions from composting food waste is just 14% compared to sending it to landfill. This fact led Envar and Countrystyle Recycling, in partnership with Cambridge BID, to introduce four new public bins for food scraps and compostable packaging. The bins are in close proximity to food retailers using verified compostable products, so customers getting takeaways can dispose of waste in the most eco-friendly way.
A closed loop solution for Cambridge
Countrystyle Recycling will collect the waste using one of Countrystyle’s dedicated food waste trucks or dual pod vehicles, specially designed to reduce the carbon footprint of collections. The waste is taken the short distance to our flagship in-vessel composting site at St Ives, Cambridgeshire. Here our composting process will turn the waste into a soil conditioner for the agricultural, viticultural and horticultural markets where it will be used to help grow more food.
These new, bright green bins can be found at:
- Quayside
- Free School Lane
- Peas Hill
- King’s Parade
What can go into the bins?
- All food scraps
- Compostable packaging (e.g. coffee cups, food cartons, cutlery) – labelling on packaging will identify it as compostable.
Andy Sibley, Managing Director of Envar Composting Ltd commented:
“These new bins provide a much-needed solution for recycling compostable food packaging and food waste in the city centre. As more businesses use compostable packaging we hope to see a reduction in the use of single use plastics and help to improve the health of our planet. Envar is in the unique position to be able to process compostable packaging through our innovative in-vessel composting system. The compost we produce can be used to nourish soil with a slow release of vital nutrients needed for healthy growth.”
Trevor Heathcote, Chairman of Heathcote Holdings commented:
“As part of Heathcote Holdings, Countrystyle Recycling and Envar are passionate about sustainable recycling. We are delighted to be taking part in this project and providing the residents of Cambridge with a solution for the recycling of their compostable packaging. The two companies operate in harmonious synergy, providing a complete, closed-loop alternative for food waste and compostable packaging, driving the circular economy for businesses across Cambridgeshire.”
To find out more about Mission Compostable visit the Cambridge BID website: www.cambridgebid.co.uk/mission-compostable
Click here to find out more about how Envar process compostable packaging.
