by Brianna Crandall — July 27, 2011—The U.K. hospitality sector could save up to £724 million a year by tackling food waste, according to a report newly published by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).
The Composition of Waste Disposed of by the UK Hospitality Industry estimates that over 3.4 million metric tons of waste (typically food, glass, paper and card) is produced by hotels, pubs, restaurants and quick-service restaurants each year. Of this, 1.6 million tons (48 percent) is recycled, reused or composted, while almost 1.5 million tons (43 percent) is thrown away, mainly to landfill.
Of the waste going to landfill, 600,000 metric tons was food waste, two-thirds of which (400,000 tons) could have been eaten, notes WRAP. Efforts by the industry have increased recycling rates, but the amount of waste going to landfill reportedly remains an issue, as 70 percent of the mixed waste currently sent for disposal could be recycled using existing markets.
It is also estimated that as much as 950,000 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions could be saved if the recyclable waste disposed of by the hospitality industry was actually recycled—reportedly the equivalent of removing 300,000 cars from U.K. roads for a year. Naturally, the amount of CO2 equivalent emissions that could be saved would increase further if the avoidable food waste could be prevented.
Richard Swannell, Director Design & Waste Prevention, at WRAP, concluded, “It is clear from our findings that much work has been done by the hospitality sector to reduce waste to landfill in favor of increased recycling, and more could be done. “Businesses are keen to recycle, or recycle more, but often come across barriers, such as a lack of space. Working together, there is a real opportunity to reduce waste and recycle more, delivering reductions in CO2 emissions, as well as generating cost savings.”
