TWO leading Plymouth businesses have joined together to launch an eco-friendly project to dispose of companies' food waste.
The Food:Logic scheme has been created by waste management specialists Alpha:Logic and Langage Farm's anaerobic digestion plant.
The exclusive partnership will see food waste turned into a power source and organic fertiliser.
The service, the first of its kind in the region, will see Alpha:Logic providing a daily mobile food waste collection service to businesses in Plymouth and the surrounding area.
The waste will be transported to Langage's £3.4million anaerobic digestion facility, at Smithaleigh.
There it will be macerated to allow bacteria to "eat" their way through the waste.
Methane gas, a by-product of the process, is used to power an engine and subsequently an electrical generator.
Beside providing enough power to support the dairy factory at Langage Farm, excess power goes to the National Grid.
The only output, when dried, is an effective fertiliser which can be used to improve the quality of the pasture at the farm.
To kick-start the Food:Logic campaign, the first 150 businesses that pledge commitment will gain a certificate of participation and receive "marketing collateral" to promote their involvement.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to take a lead in this important environmental issue," said Neil Stallard, commercial director at Alpha Logic.
He added: "It is well-documented in the press that landfill sites are running out of capacity and are not a long-term sustainable waste solution.
"With changes in legislation requiring businesses to divert their food waste away from landfill by 2020, alongside increasing landfill charges and taxes, it is important for firms to find alternative options for their food waste before it's too late.
"The decomposition rate between the two disposal routes are incomparable.
"Food waste sent to landfill takes between 40 and 100 years to decompose, in comparison to just 69 days through anaerobic digestion.
"We're delighted to have secured an exclusive arrangement with Langage Farm to allow us to offer this environmentally-friendly food waste solution to local businesses that are committed to sustainability and making a greener Plymouth.
"Clearly, alongside the environmental and financial benefits of participating in the scheme, it will further allow businesses to demonstrate their true commitment to environmental issues." The Food:Logic scheme is open to all local businesses - for instance bars, restaurants, tourist attractions and nursing homes - that generate food waste, regardless of their volume.
Smaller companies which don't create a large amount of food waste can still participate by sharing waste collections.
Paul Winterton, Langage Farm's general manager, said: "We are trying to make a difference to the environment but we need firms to commit."
Plymouth firms which have already indicated support include medical technology company BD, and the National Marine Aquarium, where managing director Dr David Gibson said: "The aquarium is delighted to be part of such a sustainable and local initiative that will help reduce our carbon footprint in future."
¦ To find out more, visit www.alphalogic.
com
