Food Waste
The Bccc is not licenced by the Environment Agency to take food waste
of any kind, even vegetable waste if it has been through any form of
catering premises. Sorry..
Nearly all food waste in England and Wales, including even uncooked vegetable waste, currently goes straight to landfill or is incinerated. The European Landfill Directive is making landfill increasingly more expensive every few years and now local authorities and commercial enterprises are moving towards better management systems. Current national government direction on this pressing issue is promoted as encouraging the ‘third sector’, i.e. the community sector, to play a role in meeting this pollution problem.
Yet because it is illegal in England and Wales to compost any food waste (even cooked vegetables) - unless under stringent conditions - its done in completely sealed and covered containers with specialist drainage, constant temperature and moisture readings (with this data being recorded at all times). The whole process is moniterd constantly by the E.A and the State Vetinary Service. As such it has become very difficult indeed for community sector enterprises to begin to start helping solve this huge environmental problem.
Surprisingly, some amazing community enterprises have succeeded despite the odds in working within such legislation. See the East London Community Recycling Project; E.L.C.R.P
Some specialised machines
suitable for smaller scale food recycling have been developed, ideal
for schools and larger establishments with catering facilities such as
the 'Jora' and the 'Rocket' systems.
The Bccc can offer advice on both the above systems. Please see our contact page.