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You are here: CIWM  >  Publications  >  Latest News  >  10,000 tonnes of organic food waste is generated by the public sector across the North East

10,000 tonnes of organic food waste is generated by the public sector across the North East

27 September 2010

Research commissioned by RENEW, as part of its work with The Organics Group, has found that almost 10,000 tonnes of organic food waste is generated by the public sector, across the North East, every year.

Public sector food waste tonnages were calculated using three different research methods before an average figure of 9,724 tonnes of organic waste was agreed. The region was then divided into four geographical areas to provide detailed data as to which types of public sector organisation generated the most organic waste.

Taking the North East as whole, it was found that sixth form and further education colleges contributed the most food waste accounting for 28 percent of the total tonnage, followed by the region's universities, accounting for 25 percent. In total educational institutions accounted for 7,950 tonnes of the organic waste generated across the region. The region's hospitals were responsible for 675 tonnes and prisons accounted for 399 tonnes.

The results will be used to assess the feasibility of developing a dedicated organic waste processing plant in the region, which would have a significant positive impact upon the local economy generating jobs and investment.

The study, conducted by national consultancy firm M∙E∙L Research on behalf of the group, followed a previous study conducted by the group in 2009 that analysed organic waste generated by the region's food and drink and manufacturing sectors.

Anastasios Bereketidis, environmental technologies specialist, RENEW says: "The results of this study clearly demonstrate the potential opportunity to create a dedicated processing plant for organic waste, or to modify existing waste management operations in the region to address the organic waste issue. However, the feasibility of such a plant would depend on approximately 20,000 tonnes of organic waste being made available across the region every year and as such, commercial waste would need to be added to that generated by the public sector. As similar plants are operating successfully in Yorkshire and the North West, and as funding for such initiatives is available in the North East, we firmly believe that the opportunity should not be ignored and would welcome the opportunity to work alongside interested organisations to scope out a commercial plan."

Dr Robert Pocock, M∙E∙L Research's chief executive, adds: "We estimate food waste costs the public sector in the North East around £1million a year, both in terms of the wasted food that has been purchased, and then again for the cost of paying for its disposal. This is draining public sector budgets that are already under unprecedented pressure. Our pioneering project for RENEW and The Organics Group, shows exactly where there are real opportunities to cut waste and save money. I hope the event prompts rapid and determined effort within the region to cut the costs of food waste, and create jobs in the industrial technologies dealing with it".

John Barton, Director, RENEW adds: "We are committed to ensuring the region is at the forefront of the UK's low carbon and sustainable energy drive and that the industry is making a significant contribution to the economy bringing investment, jobs and growth to North East England. Waste management is a key element of our work and we hope the feasibility study highlights the tangible investment opportunities and growth in this marketplace, and more importantly the significant economic benefits that are associated with sustainable waste management in our region."