Falkirk Council has joined forces with Keenan Recycling in a successful partnership that has made significant strides in reducing carbon emissions and diverting food waste from landfill. Since their collaboration began in 2019, the two organisations have worked together to improve sustainability practices, benefiting both the environment and local communities.
Falkirk Council selected Keenan Recycling as its commercial food waste collection partner following a competitive tender process. This partnership was in line with the council’s ambitious sustainability goals and ensures compliance with the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012. The service caters to a broad range of commercial customers, including schools, community centres, restaurants, cafes, and places of worship. More recently, Keenan Recycling has expanded its services to include food waste collection from communal flatted properties across Falkirk.
The partnership has had a tangible impact on waste management in the region. Since its inception, over 2,250 tonnes of food waste have been diverted from landfill, contributing to significant reductions in carbon emissions. Keenan Recycling uses Anaerobic Digestion (AD) to transform the collected food waste into renewable energy. This process has not only helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also produced enough electricity to power 250 British households for a year.
Beyond waste management, the collaboration has played an important role in raising awareness about food waste reduction within the community. By educating residents and businesses about the importance of recycling food waste, the partnership has fostered a culture of sustainability in Falkirk.
Barry Neill, Waste Services Manager at Falkirk Council, praised the partnership for helping the council achieve its Net Zero aspirations. “Our partnership with Keenan Recycling has been instrumental in diverting significant amounts of food waste from landfill,” he said. “Their reliable service, combined with their commitment to sustainability, aligns perfectly with the Council’s ambitions to meet the BMW 2025 ban and comply with the Circular Economy Act.”
Neill also highlighted Keenan Recycling’s innovative approach to waste management, which includes the use of advanced technology to optimise collection routes and enhance data analysis. The company monitors food waste tonnages from individual locations, tailoring engagement efforts to ensure maximum participation while addressing issues such as contamination.
Keenan Recycling has also praised the partnership, with Collections Director Claire Keenan noting, “We’re delighted to have partnered with Falkirk Council for over five years. Together, we’ve successfully diverted thousands of tonnes of food waste from landfill and made a positive impact on the environment. We look forward to continuing this journey towards a greener future.”
Grant Keenan, Managing Director at Keenan Recycling, described the collaboration as a powerful example of how partnerships can drive sustainability. “This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when organisations work together for a sustainable future,” he said. “By reducing waste and creating positive environmental outcomes, we’re proud to be part of this shared effort.”
As Falkirk Council progresses towards its sustainability goals, its partnership with Keenan Recycling remains a crucial element in achieving a greener future. The initiative serves as a model for other local authorities and businesses, demonstrating that sustainable practices can deliver measurable benefits for both the environment and the community. To learn more about recycling options or career opportunities, please visit www.keenanrecycling.co.uk