Recycling specialist calls for ban on food waste

The MD of one of the UK’s top recycling and waste management companies, has called for a “UK-wide ban on food waste to landfill” just days before the launch of Zero Waste Week, which runs from Sept 7th-13th.

Around 40 per cent of food waste generated in the UK is still disposed of via landfill; and the practice of landfill layering and resultant methane production can lead to grave environmental consequences.

Now, Matt Miles, MD of 707 waste and recycling, says it is time to follow the lead of Scotland with a Zero Food Waste Plan.

“Over the past 20 years we have come a long way as an industry, with the change in wider landfill behaviour being driven by two key elements – effective targets and taxation. Our shared goal of zero food waste to landfill is the next challenge. To do this, we need to work together to change attitudes of UK businesses’ and work towards making a sustainable future a reality.

It is clear that we need to win over business leaders and policy makers at Westminster if we are to follow the spirit of Scotland’s Zero Waste Plan. I’m sure, if we collaborate, we can bring the Zero Food Waste Plan to UK landfill a step closer for most businesses across the whole of the UK. The challenge for us all is to promote the argument that separate food waste collection does not have to cost the earth.

Matt Miles believes ‘sector trail blazers’ can can raise awareness of the financial benefits and promote widespread adoption by UK businesses in care homes, retail, and hospitality. He continues:

“If we win this argument, the benefits to the climate are clear. We, as a growing industry, must collaborate and illustrate the cost benefits to business. Only then can the last piece of the jigsaw be put into place; to challenge people to see food waste as a resource. We can then create the market, and, via anaerobic digestion, create renewable energy, employment and valuable chemical free fertiliser.

“Let’s win the debate, accelerate action and lead by example to make zero food waste to landfill a UK-wide reality.”

707 Resource Management is a privately-owned, Leeds-based waste management and recycling broker. They provide a complete national service and handle all types of waste for many organisations, including regional and national companies with multiple sites across Britain.