Food waste case study

Overview

Wimbledon Championships has always been committed to environmental sustainability. In recent years, the organisers recognised the need to improve their waste management practices, particularly in handling food waste. They sought a solution that would divert food waste from landfill and reduce their carbon footprint.

Background

The primary aim of the Bio collectors and Bywaters partnership at Wimbledon was to implement a comprehensive and sustainable food waste management system. By combining their expertise and resources, these two organisations strive to minimise the environmental impact of the championships by diverting food waste from landfill and transforming it into valuable resources and contributing to the circular economy.

Solution

Bio Collectors and Bywaters collaborated closely to design and implement an effective food waste management system. The key steps included:

• Infrastructure Setup: Bio collectors and Bywaters installed dedicated food waste collection points throughout the Wimbledon grounds. These collection points were strategically placed to ensure easy access for staff and vendors. The bins were clearly labelled and accompanied by informative signage, encouraging individuals to separate their waste correctly.
• Collection and Transportation: Bio collectors deployed their specialised food waste collection vehicles, which are powered by CNG to collect the segregated food waste in the most efficient and hygienic way. On a daily basis, Bio collectors’ dedicated team would empty the food waste bins, ensuring the strict security and safety protocols are being followed.This attention to detail ensured that all safety requirements were met during this prestigious event. The Bio collectors’ food processing facility is strategically located within 5 miles of the Wimbledon grounds, reducing congestion and pollution in central London by limiting the distance the waste has to travel.
• Carbon Neutral Collections: Food waste from the championships is collected by Bio collectors using carbon- neutral Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, which are powered by the biogas produced from the very food waste they transport. The use of CNG vehicles is helping to significantly reduce the carbon footprint and the reliance on fossil fuels, making Wimbledon’s collections one of the most sustainable and unique in the market.
• Recycling: The food waste is transported to Bio collectors’ anaerobic digestion plant in London, where it is processed into renewable energy. The bio-gas produced from recycling the food waste is fed directly to the National Grid and used by local homes and businesses helping to reduce the U.K’s reliance on less sustainable sources. Bio collectors also create electricity which is used to power their plant and AD process making for a perfect example of the circular economy.The process also produces a nutrient rich fertiliser, called Digestate, which is spread on local farms in Surrey. By providing this to farmers, Bio collectors are helping to rejuvenate the soil and improve the quality of the crops without the need for damaging and environmentally unfriendly, chemical alternatives