A survey published today (27 September) by Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) reveals that anaerobic digestion (AD) is driving an increase in organics recycling.
WRAP's 'Organics Recycling Survey 2010', which comprehensively surveys the organics recycling industry for the calendar year 2010, showed an increase in the number of AD sites (48 in 2010) and that organic waste input for AD plants surpasses one million tonnes.
According to the survey, 7.2 million tonnes of organic waste were recycled in 2010, up from just over six million tonnes in 2009 and the sector now employs more than 1,500 people in the UK.
"This study illustrates the significant and growing role of AD technologies, and of the market for AD digestate, across the UK", said Ian Wardle, Head of Organics and Energy from Waste at WRAP.
"Since 2010 this growth has been given further impetus through strong support from all UK governments, and from WRAP's support for the sector which includes the £10 million AD Loan Fund."
Additionally, the report showed composting input volumes increasing by 3.9 per cent over 2009, with professional horticulture and landscaping taking up increasing shares of the compost market.
Data used in the report was collected from national environment agencies as well as a sample survey of organics processing sites.
Commissioned by WRAP, in partnership with the Association for Organics Recycling (AfOR), the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA), the Environmental Services Association (ESA), and the Renewable Energy Association (REA), the survey follows a recent ADBA comparison report comparing AD and hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’).
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
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