Partner Article

Widnes business shortlisted in the National Recycling Awards

ReFood, the UK’s leading food waste recycler, has been announced as a finalist in this year’s National Recycling Awards. Shortlisted in the ‘Best Energy from Waste’ category, the company was recognised for its continued efforts to eliminate food waste from landfill.

The judges were impressed with ReFood’s innovative collection and processing practices, as well as its state-of-the-art gas-to-grid anaerobic digestion (AD) facility. Situated on Desoto Road, Widnes, the plant was officially opened in June 2014.

Coming at a total investment of more than £22.5 million, the site has been specifically designed to capture the value in unwanted food waste. Capable of processing 120,000 tonnes of food and liquids every year, the pioneering facility turns waste into gas, providing enough energy for 10,000 homes across the region.

However, what makes the facility different is its utilisation of the gas-to-grid process. The result of a long and detailed assessment, gas-to-grid sees biogas – produced from the natural degrading of food – cleaned of impurities, dried and upgraded to a higher methane content (> 95%) so that it resembles the qualities of natural gas. This allows it to be sent directly to the National Grid and used immediately by consumers.

Philip Simpson, commercial director at ReFood commented: “Being shortlisted in the National Recycling Awards is a huge accolade. As one of the most prestigious waste management ceremonies, it showcases the innovation and expertise that the country’s leading recycling businesses have to offer.

“Businesses locally and nationally are beginning to appreciate the financial benefits of diverting food waste away from landfill and we’re pleased that ReFood can continue to deliver these benefits to an ever-growing number of customers.”

Providing an integrated food waste collection and disposal service to businesses across the North-West, ReFood provides a sustainable alternative to landfill disposal. Turning food into renewable resources via anaerobic digestion, ReFood harnesses the value in waste by capturing biogas produced by the natural rotting of food.

For customers, such as shops, restaurants and hotels, the company can help to save up to 45% of their waste costs, as well as removing any requirement for the disposal of food waste.

For more information about ReFood, or its food waste collection and recycling services, visit www.refood.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Charlotte Webster .