UK
AU/NZ
Compost Connect is a not-for-profit platform committed to making composting more accessible across the United Kingdom. In doing so, we help divert food waste and compostable packaging from incineration and landfill.
Organics in Landfill Are the Third Largest Contributor to Climate Change
At Compost Connect, we’re facing the harsh truth: a significant amount of food waste and compostable foodservice packaging doesn’t end up in the right place – it goes to landfill.
The problem with that? Organics decomposing in landfill emit methane, a greenhouse gas that’s on average 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. And incineration has the same issue, producing large amounts of carbon monoxide. Organic waste also has a higher water content, making it harder to burn and therefore requiring much more fuel to do so.
It’s estimated that the UK produces 1.85 billion pieces of plastic per week – of which, only 12% is likely to be recycled.
If food waste was a country, it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter behind the USA and China (source).
One third of all food produced in the world is lost or wasted – that’s around 1.3 billion
tonnes of food (source).
So it’s no surprise reducing food waste and compostable foodservice packaging from going to landfill is one of the most important strategies to combat global warming, reduce the burden on landfills, and cut back global CO2 emissions.
Composting For The Future
We see composting as the best end-of-life solution for food waste and compostable foodservice packaging – now and in the future.
Instead of adding to landfill, we can turn food and packaging waste into a nutrient-rich resource that captures carbon, promotes healthy soil, and has flow-on effects for plants and the planet.
But unfortunately, composting infrastructure isn’t widely available or accessible – yet. To make matters worse, there’s currently no national composting mandate in the UK.
So, it’s clear we need to instigate widespread change to the food recycling crisis at a local level. And in doing so, we can encourage governments to get on board.
Compost Connect Was Born
Compost Connect is a not-for-profit initiative committed to education, lifting composting rates, and connecting foodservice businesses to commercial composters. Our aim is to divert organic waste from landfill.
At a business level, we help connect business owners to compost pick-up services. By partnering with Zap Waste (powered by First Mile) and other compost partners, we cover 6,670 postcode districts across London and Birmingham.
At an individual level, we make it easy for you to learn about the world of composting and the options in your area.
Together, we can turn food waste into nutrient-rich compost and encourage local councils to jump on board.
Our mission is simple:
Divert food waste from incineration and landfill
Lift composting rates
Make a positive difference to the environment
Compostable Packaging – A Vehicle To Curb Food Waste
At Compost Connect, we see certified compostable packaging as the ideal vehicle to curb food waste. That’s because it makes disposing of food waste easy – everything can go in the one bin.
But not all compostable food packaging is created equal. Some packaging products may claim they’re compostable without the certifications to prove it. Always look for the Home (NF T51-800) and Industrially (EN13432) Compostable Logos AND the company’s sub-license number stated underneath.
Compostable Packaging Challenges
Disposal
Making sure compostable packaging ends up in the right place remains an ongoing challenge. There’s currently no national mandate to implement food waste collection in the UK.
Materials
In a perfect world, all compostable packaging would be certified home compostable. But that’s not the case, yet. Compostable materials continue to improve and evolve – watch this space.
Greenwashing
Greenwashing is everywhere in the packaging industry. Products may claim they’re compostable to win over consumers, but without certifications, these
claims are likely to be greenwashing.
What You Can Do, Now
So, while you’re sitting tight waiting for more material innovation and composting infrastructure to be built, here’s what you can do.
- Encourage your local government to implement firmer targets and stronger regulations. Write a letter to your MP.
- If you’re an individual, learn more about how to compost at home.
- If you’re a business in London or Birmingham, check if a compost pick up service is available in your area.
- Get familiar with the Certified Compostable Logo (the source of truth across the UK and Europe) so you can support businesses doing the right thing and combat greenwashing.
Together for a greener tomorrow
Backed by the Australian government, the Compost Connect initiative has been partly funded by the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund.
Our composting partners:
Our board members are:
