A Radstock-based recycling firm has received an Environmental Agency permit which means it can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint by converting non-recyclable waste into fuel.
JWitt Waste Recycling is working with biotechnology business Advetec to convert more than 3,600 tonnes of waste into solid recovered fuel (SRF) each year. SRF is a real alternative to fossil fuels, replacing carbon-emitting coal in energy-heavy industries, amongst others.
Processing has started on-site and will see JWitt offering carbon reductions to more than 1,000 customers across Bath, Bristol, Somerset, and the Mendips, including retailers, restaurants, industrial estates, veterinary practices, holiday lets, and offices.
JWitt will achieve its goal with the help of the XO22, Advetec’s aerobic biodigester, which can process up to 10 tonnes of un-recyclable waste on-site daily. Advetec’s technology halves the mass of waste and diverts 100 per cent from landfill or low-level incineration.
The machine cuts associated greenhouse gas emissions by over 60 per cent and aids the transition towards greater material segregation and extraction.
For every truckload of unrecyclable waste that goes through the machine, six tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent weight to an African elephant – are saved as the process digests the organic fraction of the waste using unique blends of bacteria.
The reduction scheme has been verified by the Carbon Credit Standards Authority and the floc that’s left will be used as a coal replacement product – each tonne of floc used as SRF will replace 0.5 tonnes of carbon-emitting coal.
Jamie Witt, director at JWitt Waste Recycling, said: “We’re thrilled to go live with Advetec’s technology. It’s transformational for our business, our customers and the region – especially when you consider that processing this waste stream on-site will save almost 500 road miles each week, further reducing our companies CO2 output, as we can divert material previously sent to incineration plant in Avonmouth.
“Advetec is enabling independent waste handlers like us to innovate by offering easy access to alternative fuel offtake markets for the first time.”
Until now, JWitt, like most waste handlers, has had to regularly transport waste across the region, which is costly and time consuming. The new on-site solution will help reduce road-related carbon emissions and congestion, further enabling JWitt to not only meet their green goals as a company, but surpass them.
Lee Knott, Advetec’s CEO, said: “As the first waste handler to establish a dedicated food waste collection service in Bath, it’s clear that JWitt has always been committed to actively reducing waste, and our technology will allow them to take their efforts to the next level.
“Now the permit is in place, they’ll turn local waste into a commodity that benefits the circular economy and helps customers accelerate their journey to Net Zero. Biotechnology is a local solution with a real-world impact, helping UK waste handlers become green pioneers in their local communities. We’re proud to give JWitt greater control over cost and carbon and build greater waste-handling capacity into their operations.”
For more information, visit www.jwitt.co.uk or www.advetec.com/uk