Wastewise, part of the Urbaser group, is thrilled to announce the successful extension of its organics contract with Derby City Council. The contract, which commenced in 2021 for an initial three-year period, has now been extended to 2026.
The organics contract entails the processing of approximately 19,000 tonnes per annum of mixed kitchen and garden waste, a key component of the council’s waste management strategy. The waste will be processed at Wastewise’s in-vessel composting (IVC) facilities in Willerby and Crewe, where over 95% of waste processed is recycled into BSI PAS 100 certified compost. This high-quality peat replacement compost is used in various sectors, including horticulture, agriculture, and landscaping.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Derby City Council,” said Bob Wilkes, Managing Director at Wastewise. “This contract extension is a testament to our dedication to delivering high-quality waste management services while prioritising sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
The contract extension is valued at approximately £1 million per year, reaffirming Wastewise’s position as a trusted provider of waste management solutions in the region.
Bob added, “Wastewise remains committed to working closely with Derby City Council and local communities to minimise the environmental impact of waste while maximising resource recovery.”
Sam Dennis, Strategic Director of Place at Derby City Council commented: “We are very pleased to confirm this extended contract with Wastewise which will allow us to continue to run a straightforward collection service for our residents.
“We continue to be impressed with the level of technology deployed to achieve the high standard of composting on site. This cost-effective service will help us to increase recycling rates, including food waste, across the city.”
For more information about Wastewise and its services, please visit www.wastewise.co.uk.
Wastewise, part of the Urbaser Group, is pleased to announce the award of a major contract with Wigan Council. The contract, set to commence early February 2024, involves the transportation and processing of mixed food and garden waste. Spanning an initial term of three years, with options for extensions for two periods of two years and one year, respectively, it is estimated the contract will facilitate the return of approximately 9,000 tonnes of compost per year back into the network, contributing to Wigan Council’s sustainability and environmental conservation efforts.
Under this new agreement, Wastewise will be responsible for collecting and processing approximately 28,000 tonnes of organic waste each year at its state-of-the-art in-vessel composting (IVC) facility in Crewe. The award of the contract, valued at £1.2 million annually, is an endorsement of Wastewise’s commitment to excellence, customer service, competitiveness and consistency.
Bob Wilkes, Managing Director of Wastewise, said, “Since the completion of our Crewe facility, focusing on this tender has been a key objective for us, so we are delighted to have been awarded the contract. It is a natural fit for the site, especially considering its existing role in handling much of the organic waste from the neighbouring Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
“We very much look forward to working with the team at Wigan Council, providing them with a waste management solution that is both environmentally sustainable and offers excellent value for money.”
The Crewe IVC facility, a cornerstone of Wastewise’s operations, has quickly become a vital centre for local authority organics waste processing in the North West since it commenced operations in 2019. It utilises the industry-leading GICOM in-vessel composting system, along with outdoor aerated static composting and screening operations. This advanced infrastructure not only meets rigorous industry standards but also provides a safe and economically viable approach to co-mingled organic waste recycling. Capable of handling up to 90,000 tonnes of food and garden waste annually, the facility exemplifies Wastewise’s proficiency in managing large-scale local authority waste management contracts.
Paul Barton, Director for Environment at Wigan Council, said, “This contract will ensure that food and garden waste from our borough is treated in a sustainable way; composted and going back into the cycle of food production, along with other exciting uses.
“By helping our residents to recycle as effectively as possible and ensuring that recycling is processed well here in the northwest, we are able to do our part for the planet while also achieving good value for money for our taxpayers through this competitive contract. ”
Over 95% of the waste processed at the Crewe IVC facility is recycled into BSI PAS 100 certified compost. This high-quality peat replacement compost is then used in various sectors, including horticulture, agriculture, and landscaping. The overall environmental sustainability credentials of the facility will be further enhanced later on this spring when the adjacent 4.1MW solar array is energised, servicing 60% of the site’s energy needs.
In the world of sustainable waste management, knowing what materials can and cannot be composted is key to environmental stewardship. Today, we delve into a topic crucial for anyone involved in composting, especially those utilising in-vessel composting (IVC) facilities: the list of prohibited plants. Understanding this list is not just about following guidelines; it’s about contributing effectively to the cycle of sustainability and ensuring the quality and safety of our composting efforts. Let’s explore why certain plants are prohibited at IVC facilities and what that means for your composting practices.
Why Certain Plants are Prohibited in IVC Facilities
IVC facilities play a pivotal role in converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. However, not all plants are suitable for this process. Prohibited plants can be classified into three main categories:
Invasive Species: Plants like Japanese Knotweed, Kudzu, and Himalayan Balsam can survive the composting process, leading to potential ecological imbalances if they re-enter the environment.
Diseased Plants: To prevent the spread of diseases, plants showing signs of infection such as blight or mildew are not accepted.
Toxic Plants: Species like Poison Ivy or Poison Oak can cause health hazards during handling and processing.
Impact on Composting and the Environment
Including prohibited plants in composting at IVC facilities can significantly impact both the composting process and the broader environment. This impact goes beyond just the immediate surroundings; it can have lasting effects on local ecosystems and the overall quality of the compost produced.
One of the primary concerns is the survival of these prohibited plants through the composting process. Many invasive species, for instance, are incredibly resilient. Their seeds or spores can remain viable even after undergoing the high-temperature phases of in-vessel composting. When this compost is later used in gardens, landscapes, or agricultural fields, it can lead to the unintended spread of these invasive species. This spread is not just a nuisance; it can disrupt local flora and fauna, outcompeting native plants and altering habitats.
The issue of disease transmission is another critical aspect. Plants afflicted with diseases, when included in the compost mix, can become sources of widespread contamination. The pathogens can survive the composting process, especially if the process is not optimally managed. This leads to a scenario where the resulting compost, meant to enrich the soil, instead becomes a vehicle for spreading plant diseases. The impact here can be extensive, affecting not just individual gardens but also impacting agricultural productivity and plant biodiversity.
Finally, the inclusion of toxic plants in the compost mix poses direct health risks. Plants like Poison Ivy or Poison Oak contain oils that can cause severe allergic reactions in humans. During the composting process, workers handling this material are at risk. Moreover, if these toxins are not adequately broken-down during composting, they can remain in the final product, posing risks to the end-users of the compost. Gardeners, farmers, and others who use the compost may unknowingly expose themselves to these harmful substances, leading to health issues and potentially rendering the compost unsafe for use.
Alternatives and Solutions
Dealing with prohibited plants requires thoughtful consideration and appropriate action, ensuring they don’t harm the environment or disrupt the composting process. Fortunately, there are several alternatives and solutions for managing these plants responsibly.
One effective approach is to reach out to local environmental agencies. These organisations are equipped with the knowledge and resources to guide you on the safest and most environmentally friendly ways to dispose of such plants. They can provide specific instructions based on the type of plant and the local ecosystem, ensuring that any disposal methods used do not inadvertently contribute to the spread of invasive species or diseases.
Another avenue is to participate in or initiate community programs focused on invasive species control. Many communities have programs in place to manage and mitigate the spread of non-native plants that can disrupt local ecosystems. These programs often offer collection services for such plants or provide guidance on how to safely remove and dispose of them. By participating in these initiatives, you not only ensure proper disposal of prohibited plants but also contribute to a larger community effort in preserving local biodiversity.
In addition to these methods, practicing preventive gardening is a crucial step. This involves being vigilant about the plants you choose for your garden and staying informed about which species are considered invasive or problematic in your area. By selecting plants wisely and monitoring your garden regularly for any signs of these unwanted species, you can prevent their growth and spread. This proactive approach not only reduces the burden of dealing with prohibited plants later but also contributes to a healthier and more sustainable garden ecosystem.
At Wastewise, we’re committed to sustainable composting practices. Understanding and adhering to the list of prohibited plants is a step towards responsible environmental stewardship. For more information on sustainable waste management and composting tips, visit www.wastewise.co.uk.
Green waste compost is an organic matter that has been broken down and recycled as a soil amendment and a natural fertiliser. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes it a gardener’s gold and how it is an integral part of sustainable living. At Wastewise, where we excel in in-vessel composting, green waste compost transcends beyond being merely a product — it embodies our commitment to fostering a more sustainable future.
What is Green Waste Compost?
Green waste compost is the product of decomposed organic material, primarily derived from garden trimmings, leaves, branches, grass clippings, and other plant-based materials. It is a key element of organic gardening, acting as a soil conditioner, a fertiliser, and a natural pesticide for soil. The process of creating green waste compost is a natural way of recycling organic waste into a valuable resource for improving garden health.
What are the benefits?
Using green waste compost has numerous benefits:
Soil Improvement: It enriches the soil, improves its structure, and helps with water retention.
Nutrient-Rich: It is teeming with essential nutrients that plants need to thrive.
Eco-Friendly: It reduces the need for chemical fertilisers, which can be harmful to the environment.
Waste Reduction: Composting green waste significantly cuts down the amount of waste sent to landfills. Which would otherwise produce Methane 10x more potent than CO2.
Carbon sequestration – studies show up to 200kg of CO2 is locked away into stable carbon containing compounds for every tonne of green waste composted.
The In-Vessel Composting edge
Our in-vessel composting technique takes green waste recycling to the next level. In-vessel composting is an advanced and controlled method that accelerates the breakdown of organic material in an enclosed environment. This method offers numerous advantages:
Speed: The composting process is much faster compared to traditional methods.
Year-Round Operation: Our in-vessel composting systems function effectively in all weather conditions.
Control: We can closely monitor and control the composting environment, ensuring high-quality green waste compost.
Reduction in Odours and Pests: Being an enclosed system, it minimises odours and deters pests.
How Does Green Waste Composting Work?
The journey of green waste compost is an interesting one:
Collection: Green waste material is gathered from residential and commercial sources.
Processing: It’s then shredded and prepared for composting.
Composting Phase: The green waste is placed into our in-vessel composting systems where microorganisms break it down.
Maturation: Finally, the compost is allowed to mature until it’s ready to provide nutrition to new life.
Using Green Waste Compost
Green waste compost can be used in many ways:
In Gardens: Mix it into garden beds to boost plant health.
For Landscaping: It’s ideal for preparing lawns and landscapes.
On Farms: It serves as a sustainable soil amendment for agriculture.
Our Promise
As a company dedicated to providing top-tier in-vessel composting services, we are at the forefront of environmentally responsible waste management. We stand by our commitment to creating a sustainable future, one batch of green waste compost at a time.
In Conclusion
Green waste compost represents a simple yet profound solution for organic waste. By turning what would be trash into treasure, we play a part in nurturing the planet. Our in-vessel composting process ensures that your green waste is transformed into high-quality compost, ready to support the next cycle of growth. Get in touch for more information, or to speak to a member of our sales team.
It feels like Christmas has come early at Wastewise! We are thrilled to announce the installation of a brand-new, high-efficiency TSS 390 Shredder at our In-vessel Composting facility in Crewe, just in time for the busy festive season.
The new TSS 390 shredder is adept at handling a significant tonnage of organic material per hour, providing consistent size reduction that facilitate the composting process. It will be used at the beginning of the process at our Crewe facility, shredding food and garden waste before they are mixed in the reception hall prior to being placed in our enclosed, forced aerated tunnels for between 5 to 10 days to ensure the compost is fully sanitised and pathogen free. Following this process, the compost is then stabilised and matured on an outdoor aerated pad for up to 5 weeks prior to being graded into different end products.
Importance of a Shredder in Composting
The use of a shredder in composting is an important stage of the process. It increases the surface area of the food/garden waste, which is vital for microbial activity. The smaller, shredded materials allow microbes to access and decompose the waste more efficiently, significantly speeding up the composting process. This not only results in quicker compost production but also enhances the quality of the compost, making it richer and more nutritious for soil enrichment.
The TSS 390 Shredder
The TSS 390 shredder was supplied by Terex Ecotec, an industry leader renowned for their expertise in the design and manufacture of wood processing, biomass, and recycling equipment. Terex Ecotec’s reputation for producing durable, high-quality machinery makes them an ideal partner for Wastewise, as we continually seek the best solutions for sustainable waste management.
Terex Ecotec’s TSS 390 shredder stands out for its robust design and advanced technology and large volume throughput, ensuring efficient processing of compost material. This shredder is specifically engineered to handle the rigorous demands of our IVC facility, providing unparalleled reliability and performance.
By integrating the TSS 390 shredder into our operations, we’re not only equipped to handle a wider range of materials, further enhancing our composting capabilities, we’re also reinforcing our commitment to innovative, eco-friendly solutions in waste management.
