Scotland’s largest organic waste management firm is expanding into north-east England.
Keenan Recycling, which moved its headquarters from New Deer to Aberdeen this year, said its new food waste collection operation south of the border would see up to 40 jobs created over the next two years.
The recycling firm launched its own commercial food waste collection service in Scotland in 2010. It now processes more than 150,000 tonnes of organic waste a year, turning it into compost and electricity.
Working with local businesses and other waste management firms in north-east England, Keenan will transport food waste to the High Hedley biogas plant in County Durham. The leftovers will then be put through an anaerobic digester and recycled into electricity.
As well as making businesses more aware about the cost of wasting food, the process prevents waste going to landfill and cuts back on harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
Keenan managing director Grant Keenan said the expansion south was a natural move for the firm.
He added: “We’re very excited to expand our food waste management service to England and we’re looking forward to working with businesses south of the border who are conscious about creating a greener environment.
“Although it is a legal requirement in Scotland, recycling food waste in England is a concept that many will not be familiar with.
“We hope that we can encourage individuals to really think about the food they throw away, rather than it going to landfill.”
Keenan employs more than 90 people across its head office and bases in Edinburgh and Fife, as well as its recycling facilities in New Deer and Cumbernauld.