From 2023, it will be illegal to flush food waste down drains. This means that the use of macerators and liquidising digesters will be banned in the UK. Food waste will also no longer be able to be collected with general waste and must be presented in separate containers.
Food manufacturing companies will need to comply with all these changes, so here we explore some waste management tips for food manufacturing companies that will help to improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact and improve your sustainability credentials, while helping you to comply with legislation.
Invest in a compactor for food waste
Investing in a compactor for food waste is an excellent way to manage food waste in food manufacturing facilities. Food waste compactors reduce the volume of food waste by up to 80%, reducing the frequency of collections, saving money and reducing CO2 emissions.
Compactors also make it easier to manage waste, as they come with features such as odour control and liquid containment. They also come with the option of bin lifts to minimise risk of lifting injuries to staff as well as reducing the amount the food waste is handled.
Invest in a food bio processor for food waste
You can also use a food bio processor to break down food waste with the use of microbes and turn it into a stabilised, low-odour substrate that has reduced by up to 80% of the original volume. This can then be used as biomass fuel, spread on to the ground as co-compost, or sent to landfill.
The Mardon RamPack Food Bio Processor can be used for any organic food waste, including some packaging.
Consider a baler if you have a lot of recyclable waste
Similarly, if you deal with a lot of cardboard or plastic waste at your food manufacturing business, it may be worth considering whether a baler would be a good investment. Vertical balers are great for small to medium volumes of waste, while horizontal balers are great for larger volumes of waste.
Balers turn cardboard and plastic waste into manageable bales that take up far less space than un-baled waste and some companies will even pay you for your baled waste, meaning you can make some extra money just for managing your waste more responsibly!
Start using recyclable packaging
Packaging is another area where food manufacturing businesses often create a lot of waste, as evidenced by the amount of single-use plastics we still find on supermarket shelves. Recyclable packaging can be recycled and reused, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. Food manufacturing facilities should look to work with packaging suppliers to develop packaging that is recyclable, reusable, and environmentally friendly.
Return packaging to suppliers where possible
In some cases, you may be able to work with your suppliers to return packaging once you have unpacked your materials or products. This can include returning packaging for reuse, recycling or disposal. This will help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and reduce your business’s environmental impact.
Educate your staff
Finally, educating staff is an essential part of a responsible waste management strategy in a food manufacturing facility. Staff members should be aware of the impact of waste on the environment and the company’s bottom line. They should also be aware of the waste management policies in place and how to implement them. By educating staff members, food manufacturing businesses can improve efficiency and promote sustainability more easily.
By implementing these waste management tips, food manufacturing facilities can improve their reputation among consumers who are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their food choices. They can also reduce their environmental footprint, reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, and save money on waste disposal fees.
For more information about reducing or managing your food waste, you can get in touch with our team.