How to Minimise Food Waste: A Guide for Catering Businesses
According to data from the environmental group WRAP in 2023, the UK’s food waste weighs in at an astonishing 10.7 million tonnes per year....
Commercial Food Waste Services
North Yorkshire
Yorwaste sees food waste as a resource, with a value within the circular economy. We aim to maximise that value which could lead to a reduction in your waste management costs.
- Turn your wasteinto a commodity
- Free waste auditand same day quotes
- Eco-friendlywaste management
- Talk directlyto your local provider
- Free expertwaste advice
- Yorwastecollected your way
Hospitality businesses like pubs, restaurants and hotels generate huge quantities of food waste each year. This also applies to other organisations with catering facilities, like schools, hospitals and works canteens. This waste isn’t just a logistical challenge for your business – it can also be a missed opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Here at Yorwaste, we provide a streamlined and eco-friendly solution for your food waste. We’re committed to offering a tailored approach for every business, so get in touch for a food waste service that’s the perfect fit for your needs.
Why choose Yorwaste?
- Local
- Cost-Effective
- Personal
At Yorwaste, we believe waste disposal should be hassle-free.
From a simple set up with exceptional customer service as standard. It’s waste management just the way you want it.
With thousands of local businesses on board, from restaurants to retailers, it’s easy to see why Yorwaste is North Yorkshire’s leading waste collection and recycling partner.
The Food Waste Recycling Process
- Your food waste will be collected and transported to a dedicated anaerobic digestion plant in where it can be converted into a source of energy.
- Once at the plant to achieve this, the food waste is placed into digesters, where it is broken down by bacteria in the absence of air and sunlight.
- This digestion process releases a range of natural gases, including methane, which is then cleaned of any impurities to turn it into biomethane.
- The biomethane generated from this process can be used as an eco-friendly source of energy, with a smaller carbon footprint than a fossil fuel equivalent.
- The residual solid waste, called digestate, may be used for fertiliser, horticultural and other products.
Enquiry
An initial consultation with one of our experts helps us understand your specific needs, including the type and quantity of food waste you generate.
Assessment
For larger businesses with more complex needs, we can provide a free waste audit. A member of our team will visit your site to get a deeper insight into your waste disposal challenges.
Collection
Your food waste bins are delivered and our dedicated fleet begins regular food waste collections to a schedule that fits your needs.
Transportation
Your food waste is transported to an anaerobic digestion plant where it can be properly processed and treated.
Recycling
As much of your waste as possible is recycled, converting it back into raw material that can be turned into brand-new products.
Disposal
Finally, we convert any residual waste from these processes into a source of energy through incineration and other recovery processes.
Your Waste Journey
Related Waste Services
Success Stories
Education
Thirsk School is a local high school with an ambition for recycling.
- 4Tonnes
of food waste removed from general waste annually
- 5Tonnes
of potential C02 saved annually
- 23%
cost reduction on general waste collection annually
- 4Tonnes
Hotel
Swinton Estate is a privately owned country estate near Masham, North Yorkshire.
- New Award
received for Sustainability
- 22%Increase
in Recycling Rate annually
- New Award
Types Of Businesses We Serve
The service provider was efficient, delivered on time, tailor-made the service to suit requirements. I cannot speak highly enough of this service.
From the team in the office especially “Luby” to the drivers that came to Aldwark Manor Hotel I cannot fault their service, in fact, I highly recommend them!
They listened to what we needed and sorted us with the correct waste bins a lot easier than other companies we have been with in the past.
Legal Compliance
The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 require businesses to;
Sort and store waste safely and securely.
Ensure that you or your waste carrier has a valid waste carriers license and are registered to dispose of waste.
Failure to comply can risk a criminal conviction, fines, and seizure of assets. By signing up to Yorwaste you are meeting your obligation without the hassle of navigating through the legislation yourself.
Where does the waste go?
Initially, your waste will be transported to a local waste transfer station. Here, recyclable waste may be separated for onward transport to reprocessors, to be made into new products. Unrecyclable waste will be bulked up for transport to the county’s Energy from Waste facility, to be used as fuel to generate electricity.
We partner with Allerton Waste Recovery Park to ensure as much non-recyclable waste as possible is turned into energy for the local North Yorkshire area. We put the waste hierarchy at the very heart of our business, and do all we can to increase waste reduction, reuse and recycling where possible.
From community initiatives, such as Reuse Santa and Get Re-Cycling, to our team of recycling experts working closely with businesses to help their overall waste management strategies and maximise their recycling efforts.
The energy from recovered waste in Yorkshire currently powers around 40,000 homes in the Yorkshire area. By incinerating non-recyclable waste, we’re able to convert rubbish into energy!
The ash that is produced during this process is also recycled to create materials for the construction industry, further closing the gap in waste production in the Yorkshire area. It’s even estimated that 2.5% of the UK’s energy is powered by recycled materials, so why not join the cause and be an advocate for environmentally friendly waste management?
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FAQs
What types of food waste bins does Yorwaste provide?
We can provide dedicated food waste bins. Due to the weight of food waste, these are typically 240 litre wheelie bins. All of these food waste bins are made from robust and eco-friendly materials and are designed to last around 10 years. Some of our bins also come with locks for added security.
How can pubs and restaurants reduce their food waste?
Pubs and restaurants can minimise food waste in the kitchen in a range of ways. For instance, implementing the FIFO (First In, First Out) method for ingredients ensures older items are used first, reducing spoilage. Offering smaller portion options and encouraging shared dishes can also significantly cut down on waste.
However, some food waste is inevitable in these businesses. Therefore, responsible disposal is essential. At Yorwaste, we offer dedicated food waste bins and regular collection, ensuring waste is handled in an environmentally friendly way.
What types of food waste can Yorwaste recycle?
We primarily recycle unpackaged raw and cooked foods, including sandwiches, fruit and vegetable peelings, meat, fish and bread. In addition, we can also accept category three animal by-products intended for human or animal consumption, such as eggshells, hides and carcasses.
Which locations does Yorwaste cover for food waste disposal?
We deliver reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly food waste solutions for businesses across North Yorkshire, including York, Ripon, Harrogate and Scarborough. Take a look at the location map on our homepage to see a full range of locations we service.
However, if you’re based outside of North Yorkshire, we may still be able to provide a food waste service to meet your needs. Please get in touch to discuss your needs and we may be able to accommodate you.
How can I encourage people to recycle food waste at work?
Encouraging food waste recycling at work starts with providing the right tools. Equip your workplace with ample, clearly labelled food waste bins in strategic locations to make recycling easy and convenient.
You can also provide training to all employees to make sure everyone understands the importance of your food waste policies and how to follow them correctly. Finally, consider taking the extra step of becoming a certified B Corp, which demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility and can enhance your company’s reputation.