The legislation stipulates that all businesses must segregate the following materials from general waste:

• Food
• Plastic
• Glass
• Paper and card
• Metal

The University is in a fortunate position, as it already segregates recyclable materials by stream. All of our catering operations and halls of residence have food waste segregation however this needs to be rolled out across the rest of campus.

Over the next two weeks, our Domestic Services staff will be rolling out food waste caddies to all kitchens across campus. Staff and students must now use these bins for all food waste. This includes:

• Plate scrapings
• Tea bags
• Coffee grinds
• Peelings

Food waste is collected by our waste contractor and processed for anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion is the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen by microorganisms called methanogens. This treatment transforms food waste into biomethane, this biogas is used to generate electricity and heat to power on-site equipment with surplus electricity exported to the National Grid. A byproduct of anaerobic digestion is a biofertilizer used for plant growth and fertile soil.

Last year, Loughborough University segregated 232 tonnes of food waste. This legislation provides an opportunity to reduce our general waste further by encouraging segregation. Failure to comply with the legislation can result in fines from the Environment Agency.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please email waste@lboro.ac.uk.