Across the UK, councils are introducing weekly food-waste collections that divert organic material from landfill and convert it into low-carbon resources. Collected food waste is processed in anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities, where it is broken down in sealed tanks to produce renewable biogas for heat and power, alongside nutrient-rich digestate used as fertiliser. This circular approach reduces methane emissions, displaces fossil fuels and supports local authorities’ net-zero ambitions.
Processing putrescible waste at scale, however, presents challenges around odour, corrosive gases and worker exposure, particularly in reception halls, pre-treatment areas and downstream process buildings. Gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulphide can cause off-site nuisance, accelerate equipment corrosion and pose health and safety risks if not properly managed.
Working with the project team, ERG has delivered an integrated odour and air-quality solution to support safe, compliant operation. The system includes targeted extraction from food-waste handling areas, chemical scrubbers to remove odorous and harmful gases at key process points, and fresh-air, dust and exhaust control systems across critical buildings – helping ensure reliable food-waste recycling while protecting people, assets and neighbouring communities.