How Advetec’s Waste Management System Helps to Tackle Winter Recycling Challenges
The Guardian’s recent news story highlights the harsh reality of increased waste contamination during the winter months, when wet conditions cause recyclable materials such as cardboard and plastic to mix, making them much harder to process within existing waste handling sites. At Advetec, we understand the complexities of waste management and offer innovative solutions that can reduce these seasonal inefficiencies.
The Winter Recycling Dilemma
The report notes a staggering 40% rise in contamination of paper and cardboard from November to March meaning an additional 5,000 tonnes of waste being sent to landfill or incineration. These figures underscore the urgent need for systems that mitigate contamination and reduce waste volumes before they even leave the site.
The challenges stem from the way wet, sodden cardboard clings to plastics, complicating the recycling process at material recovery facilities (MRFs). Combined with stalled recycling rates in England and logistical difficulties for communal buildings, it’s clear that current systems require an overhaul.
Advetec’s Solution: Waste Reduction
Advetec’s on-site waste management systems offer a proactive approach to these challenges. Using advanced biotechnology, we significantly reduce the volume of residual waste – materials that would otherwise be sent to landfill or incineration. Here’s how:
- Volume Reduction: Our systems process mixed waste streams, including wet and contaminated materials, to reduce waste volumes by around 50%. This helps divert materials away from overstressed recycling plants during peak winter months.
- Contamination Mitigation: By addressing waste at the source, we minimise the impact of co-mingled recycling. Organic materials that might otherwise exacerbate contamination are broken down, ensuring that recyclable components are ready for proper processing.
- Sustainability Gains: Our technology generates a cleaner, more sustainable by-product called Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). SRF reduces reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to the circular economy, even when certain waste cannot be traditionally recycled.
Complementing National Policy
The Guardian article emphasises the importance of separating waste streams and the need for a cohesive national strategy. Advetec’s solutions align seamlessly with such objectives by enabling waste producers to handle materials, or even by being placed on-site with waste producers, the waste can be sorted before it even gets to the waste handling sites.
A Call for Collaboration
Winter may exacerbate recycling challenges, but innovative technologies such as Advetec’s ensure that businesses, councils, and governments have the tools to combat these issues effectively. By integrating our systems into your waste management strategies, we can collectively reduce contamination, landfill reliance, and environmental impact – regardless of the season.
Interested in learning more? Get in touch to discover how Advetec can transform your approach to waste this winter and beyond.