A study by WRAP has found that the growth in the number of anaerobic digestion facilities saw the total input of organic waste processed in 2010 hit 1 million tonnes.
The total tonnage came from 48 permitted AD sites.
A total of 7.2 million tonnes of organic waste was recycled in the same year, compared to just over six million tonnes in 2009.
WRAP head of organics and energy from waste Ian Wardle said: “This study illustrates the significant and growing role of AD technologies, and of the market for AD digestate, across the UK. Since 2010, this growth has been given further impetus through strong support from all UK governments, and from WRAP’s support for the sector which includes the £10 million AD Loan Fund.”
The report also showed that over 1,500 people are employed in the organics recycling sector.
Information in the report was taken from a combination of data on regulated sites from national environment agencies, and data collected by a sample survey of processing sites.
The report was commissioned by WRAP, working in partnership with the Association for Organics Recycling, the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association, the Environmental Services Association and the Renewable Energy Association.
