North East-based GAP Organics has partnered with Scotland’s largest food waste collection company Keenan Recycling to handle the increasing volume of food waste in the region, turning it into readily usable gas.
Keenan Recycling, who expanded into the North East of England last year, will be working alongside GAP Organics to collect food waste from its commercial clients in the region.
The food waste will be treated at Wardley Biogas, the new multimillion pound state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of Tyneside, where it will be converted into green gas for the region’s gas and power networks. The partnership will also supply the existing food waste AD Plant at High Hedley Biogas in County Durham.
With over 65 years of experience in the logistics and waste industries, family business GAP Group began WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) recycling before expanding into haulage. The business is now separated into five group companies, GAP Waste which continues to process and recycle WEEE, GAP Organics which handles food and organic waste streams, GAP Ice which processes refrigeration at its 2018 £5.5m fridge recycling plant, GAP Polymers who process and recycle rigid plastics, alongside its national logistics and haulage service, GAP Haulage.
Paul Palmer, MD of GAP Organics, said: “In these changing times and with businesses taking the time and trouble to offer food for recycling, we have to make sure we put that waste to good use. We have seen a huge increase in enquiries from new and existing customers to improve their recycling rates and we’ve been able to demonstrate the true commercial value of separate food waste collections. The government’s recent commitment to separate domestic food waste collections in England and Wales is already having an impact as businesses understand this will also become a legal requirement for them too.
“We were already aware of Keenan Recycling and that the collection of food waste is its core business. When it became clear Keenan were looking to bring their expertise into the region we began our discussions to work with them to assist with our own collection service through this new partnership.”
“Keenan’s vehicles are equipped with the latest technology which provides real time collection data. As an example, the weight of food waste collected can be reported back to clients to assist with their own green credentials and carbon footprint improvements.”
Headquartered in Aberdeen, Keenan Recycling expanded its services into the North East in 2018 to bring a greener future to the region. The firm currently employs over 90 people in a variety of roles and has worked with businesses in the region including Newcastle University and the North East branch of food waste charity, FareShare.
Grant Keenan, managing director at Keenan Recycling, added: “When we launched our food waste collection service in 2010 it was our aim to ensure that people across the UK understood the importance of recycling food waste. Once it became the law in Scotland, the education process got slightly easier but there is still a lot to be done, especially in countries such as England where there is currently no legislation in place.
“Our new partnership with GAP Organics means that we can offer a service to its clients with our great customer service at its core. We want to be able to advise business on how to reduce food waste as well as recycling it correctly and we’re really looking forward to seeing the greener future we can create in the North East with GAP Group.”
For more information on GAP Group, please visit www.gapgroupuk.com
For more information on Keenan Recycling, please visit www.keenanrecycling.co.uk.