Feedstock Working Group
9 May 2014, 11am
RUR3 Environmental
Daventry, NN11 1BZ
Jacqui MacCaig, Chair (RUR3), Adam Bensusan (RUR3), Shaun Cherry (Fernbrook Bio), Simon Rudd (Shanks), Peter
McIntyre (Tamar Energy), Sophie Randall (Waste 4 Generation), Frank Kenny (Water & Waste Services), Lee
Dobinson (Local Generation), Jordan Marshall (JLM)(ADBA)
1. AD capacity/shortfall
There was consensus in group that getting hold of feedstock more difficult, and gate fees falling (particularly
in last six months) as more AD capacity comes on line.
LD argued that inevitable outcome of growing industry will be that more feedstock is treated locally, with
gate fees hopefully stabilising as more waste streams become available.
SR outlined that operators must be flexible in terms of front-end capacity – staff must have the right mindset
to be looking at ways to take in “non-designer” feedstock. PM also stressed that versatility at front-end
crucial to operational success.
PM thought that food waste operators needed to work more cooperatively, to ensure that any feedstock
shortages can be easily tackled and increase the likelihood of stabilising gate fees.
JM thought there needed to be more joined up thinking in terms of attitudes towards household and
commercial waste collections.
JM raised the issue that a lot of waste is now going to animal feed; with FK noting that Sainsbury’s is moving
in this direction. LD argued that we should use our industry’s existing relationships with farmers to access
feedstock, rather than looking to see farmers penalised in situations where sending certain wastes to animal
feed doesn’t comply with the regulatory framework.
JM & SR thought the animal feed issue would further depress gate fees, with electricity revenue now more
important to project’s viability.
SR outlined that the key driver for waste management companies in introducing separate food waste
collections is bin lift cost, and not currently economic to do so.
There was general agreement that legislation was key to getting food waste out of the waste steam and into
AD, as is happening in Scotland. JLM explained that a landfill ban does not seem to be on the current
government’s agenda, but that it was worth noting that a recent Lord’s report suggested that government
develop a best practice model for England. The Labour Party also seemed to be moving the debate forward
in England, having pledged to ban food waste to landfill if elected in May 2015.
2. Local authority tenders/contracts
JM expressed frustration that LA food waste contracts are often tied into a bigger waste contract, while it is
generally only the food waste that AD operators want – councils must be more flexible.
SR argued that councils are realising that there is more demand for food waste, and as more capacity comes
on board (and gate fees fall), AD will become very attractive option.
SC outlined that in general feedstock contracts can be problematic – getting the biology and operational
performance right is difficult when there are changing tonnages and feedstock types coming in.
JM was also keen to point out that cornstarch bags are not suitable to be treated in many AD plants, and
that most local authorities were not aware of this difficulty.
PM argued that without a legislative driver, councils will continue to commingle as this is what they are
comfortable with. SR thought there should be clear policy from government on the favoured treatment
method for each waste stream – eg food waste to AD, green waste to IVC
3. Contamination & packaging
JM set out that the haulage of feedstocks over long distances leads to more packaging and greater
contamination. LD sends majority of contaminated packaging to landfill as this is most economically viable
route.
The group agreed that customers were increasingly demanding zero waste to landfill – SR sends cornstarch
bags to MBT and SC has 2 RDF facilities close by, which although is only £2/tonne cheaper than landfill
importantly helps to bolster green credentials.
JM noted that waste companies are looking at ways to reduce contamination, citing the fact that Olleco now
use metal detectors.
4. Best practice guidance
JLM outlined that it may be useful to provide councils, hospitality and waste management sector with
guidance on actions to ensure quality feedstocks for AD are provided.
Most within the group were however concerned that the scope of this was too large and there were too
many technological and technical differences (eg liquid vs dry waste) for this to be feasible.
SR suggested that a flow chart approach might be more effective, outlining all the decisions that need to be
made. JM thought a good first step would be to review WRAP’s current LA Best Practice in order to assess if
this guidance is reasonable, and whether it could be applied to C&I sector also. ACTION for group to send
JLM/JM comments on LA best practice document.
AB thought that it would still be helpful to look at producing guidance on particular issues starting with
cornstarch bags. ACTION for group to send comments & evidence to JLM on cornstarch bags.
5. Research on CV of mixed waste
Group concluded that operators are already aware of much of this information already, although FK thought
this may be useful for newer operators and LD noted that it might be useful to know the variation in CV
between “fresh” and “old” waste.
JM also raised the fact that there were rumours that the EA were considering testing dry waste going into AD
– this may be something to raise At ADBA’s Regulator Day on 23 May.
6. Haulage of feedstocks
There was consensus that food waste is often travelling long distances, with a negative impact on both gate
fees and the quality of waste.
PM reiterated that operators need to retain close relationships with other operators, as well as hauliers, in
order to ensure there is greater flexibility in allowing feedstock to be treated closer to source.
7. Regulatory issues
JLM explained that ADBA’s Regulator day (23 May, Leeds) which is free to attend, will be an opportunity to
hear from EA, HSE and AHVLA on regulatory changes and compliance, with the opportunity to ask the
regulators any questions you have.
8. AOB
The group agreed that it would be good to have greater waste management company representation at the
next meeting, and ADBA in general should engage better with this sector. JM/JLM will invite Biogen,
Agrivert, PDM, Sita, WRAP, EA & Olleco to the next meeting.
We will aim to hold meetings quarterly, with the next meeting to take place in September.
ACTIONS
1. Group to send JLM/JM comments on LA best practice document
2. Group to send comments & evidence to JLM on cornstarch bags