Go 4 Greener Transforms Offensive Washroom Waste into Solid Recovered Fuel

Advetec’s biotechnology is now operational at Go4Greener’s Derby facility, enabling the business to become the first waste management company in the UK to convert offensive washroom waste into Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF).

Using the XO22 aerobic biodigester, Go4Greener now processes up to 4,000 tonnes of washroom waste each year, including nappies, sanitary products and paper towels, transforming it into nearly 2,000 tonnes of high-quality SRF rather than sending it to landfill or energy-from-waste (EfW) incineration.

By implementing Advetec’s system, Go4Greener has significantly reduced disposal costs, lowered associated CO₂ emissions and taken a major step towards its ambition of zero waste to landfill.

Our Customer

Derby-based Go4Greener is an award-winning commercial waste management and recycling company providing independent waste solutions across the East Midlands and throughout the UK.

Recognised at the Environmental Sustainability Awards and Recycling Excellence Awards, Go4Greener is committed to delivering practical, sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact while supporting customers’ operational and ESG objectives.

To strengthen this commitment, Go4Greener entered into an eight-year partnership with Advetec to deploy the XO22 system on-site at its Derby facility — marking a significant milestone in offensive washroom waste treatment in the UK.

Their Objectives

Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and incineration
Reduce and stabilise the operational costs
Reduce the offtake cost and future-proof the business
Support customers ESG strategy and Net Zero goals
Minimise the number of journeys required for disposal – reducing the associated road-related carbon
Turn unrecyclable waste into a commodity and support the transition to the circular economy

The Solution – biotechnology

Offensive washroom waste — including nappies, sanitary products and paper towels, is one of the most problematic waste streams in the sector. High moisture content, organic contamination and hygiene considerations mean it cannot be recycled through conventional mechanical processes. As a result, it has historically been directed to landfill or energy-from-waste (EfW) plants.

Both routes present challenges. Landfill carries escalating tax exposure, long-term environmental liabilities and methane emissions from degrading organics. EfW, while preferable to landfill, still requires significant transport, incurs gate fees and ultimately results in combustion — losing the opportunity to recover material value from the waste stream.

The XO22 provides a practical, on-site biological alternative.

Using accelerated aerobic digestion, the system breaks down the organic fraction of offensive washroom waste within 48–72 hours. By removing moisture and stabilising the material, the process significantly reduces mass and volume while producing a consistent, dry output suitable for conversion into Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF).

The system operates largely autonomously and integrates seamlessly into site operations. Comprehensive operator training, built-in safety systems, and remote performance monitoring from Advetec ensure efficient and compliant operation.

The Results

By deploying biotechnology, Go4Greener has moved offensive washroom waste from a cost-heavy disposal problem to a controlled, value-generating recovery process, a scalable alternative to landfill and EfW.

The independent waste characterisation test results showed predicted waste mass reduction of over 51.9% which represents a significant decarbonisation and saving.

Environmental Impact

4,000 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill each year
Nearly 2,000 tonnes of alternative fuel created
Reduced reliance on fossil fuels in energy-intensive industries
Lower carbon footprint across operations

Operational Impact

Rapid 48–72 hour processing time
Reduced waste mass and handling requirements
Greater control over previously difficult waste streams
Improved resilience against landfill tax increases

Commercial Impact

Stabilised disposal costs
Increased sustainability value for customers
Competitive differentiation as an industry innovator

“Green is in our name, and we’re always looking for ways to accelerate our journey towards Net Zero and support our customers in doing the same. As our awards success demonstrates, we strive for excellence, and now the ability to turn waste into a commodity on-site will help us to add real value to our customers.”
Samantha Turton
MD of Go 4 Greener

Instead of burying or burning untreated waste, Go4Greener now:

Treats the waste at source
Reduces haulage requirements
Cuts landfill tax exposure
Lowers associated carbon emissions
Produces a fossil fuel replacement product

By transforming a previously unrecoverable waste stream into an alternative fuel, Go4Greener has strengthened cost certainty, reduced environmental impact and enhanced its value proposition to customers across hospitality, retail, commercial and education sectors.