21st Nov 2011 - 00:00
Abstract
Contract caterer Leith’s, part of global facilities management giant Compass Group, is playing its part with management and staff at Leeds Castle in developing the venue’s waste management system.
The Kent visitor attraction has been increasing recycling rates and minimising the amount of waste sent to landfill as part of sustainability drive that began in April 2010 with a clear target to achieve zero waste to landfill for the site. It now boasts a recycling rate of over 96%, a figure that is rising each month. About 55% is sent for recycling and more than 40% is sent to a local power station to produce energy from waste. Private waste management and recycling company Countrystyle was brought in by venue managers to provide recycling expertise and to run the day-to-day waste management operation. The first step was to install on-site separation bins to segregate paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, metal, aerosols, batteries, paint tins, lamps, electrical and hazardous items. Alongside this, catering group Leith's hase improved its operations and all food waste from the castle's kitchens is taken away for composting by Countrystyle. Waste cooking oil is also recycled to provide fuel. Colin Day, Facilities Manager at Leeds Castle said: "We take our commitment to the environment very seriously and we want to see Leeds Castle as setting the standard in responsible recycling. "With over half a million visitors a year, it's a sizeable task to segregate all of the waste but our staff have made it happen by responding positively to the challenge. "We have also seen financial benefits through recycling rebates, which have been invested back into the programme to help us towards our 100% target."
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