GAP Organics working with Keenan Recycling on green energy project

GAP Organics has partnered with Scotland’s largest food waste collection company to transform food waste into usable gas.

GAP will work alongside Keenan Recycling, which expanded into the North East last year, to collect food waste from its commercial clients in the region.

The waste will be treated at Wardley Biogas, where it will be converted into green gas for the region’s gas and power networks.

The partnership will also supply the existing food waste AD Plant at High Hedley Biogas, in County Durham.

With more than 65 years’ experience in the logistics and waste industries, family business GAP Group, which is based in Gateshead, began waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling (WEEE) before expanding into haulage.

The business is now separated into five group companies: GAP Waste; GAP Organics; GAP Ice, which processes refrigeration; GAP Polymers, which processes and recycles rigid plastics; and GAP Haulage.

Paul Palmer, managing director of GAP Organics, said: “In these changing times and with businesses taking the time and trouble to offer food for recycling, we have to make sure we put that waste to good use.

“We have seen a huge increase in enquiries from new and existing customers to improve their recycling rates and we’ve been able to demonstrate the true commercial value of separate food waste collections. 

“The Government’s recent commitment to separate domestic food waste collections in England and Wales is already having an impact as businesses understand this will also become a legal requirement for them too.

“We were already aware of Keenan Recycling and that the collection of food waste is its core business.

“When it became clear Keenan were looking to bring their expertise into the region, we began our discussions to work with them to assist with our own collection service through this new partnership.”

Headquartered in Aberdeen, Keenan Recycling expanded into the North East in 2018 and has worked with businesses including Newcastle University and the North East branch of food waste charity FareShare.

Grant Keenan, managing director, added: “When we launched our food waste collection service in 2010, it was our aim to ensure that people across the UK understood the importance of recycling food waste.

“Once it became the law in Scotland, the education process got slightly easier but there is still a lot to be done, especially in countries such as England where there is currently no legislation in place.

“Our new partnership with GAP Organics means that we can offer a service to its clients with our great customer service at its core.

“We want to be able to advise business on how to reduce food waste, as well as recycling it correctly, and we’re really looking forward to seeing the greener future we can create in the North East with GAP Group.”