The professional sector (restaurants, shops, businesses, etc.) generates around 35% of biowaste in 2023 (5.2 million tonnes) according to ADEM.
Composting isn’t just good for the environment, it’s also good for your bottom line. By reducing the amount of waste sent to incineration or landfill, you’ll significantly lower your waste disposal bills in the long run!
According to ADEME, the average cost of incinerating biowaste in France is around €100 per tonne. A company reducing the amount of waste sent for incineration by just 5 tonnes can therefore make a direct saving of €500 per year, not including transport and waste management costs.
Let's take the example of a coworking space thatcollects coffee grounds and leftovers from its users' lunches : less waste in the ‘black’ bin (intended for incineration) and compost that can be used for their plants, thereby reducing their waste disposal tax. This recycled waste can be used as fertiliser for vegetable gardens or landscaping on your premises, replacing chemical fertilisers, the price of which has risen in recent years.
Committing to composting biowaste is a major asset for your brand image and your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). A June 2023 study by ADEME shows that a company perceived as socially responsible can increase its sales by 5 to 10%. It also helps to retain employees and even facilitates recruitment by working on the ‘employer brand’.
Several options are available to companies wishing to implement composting. The choice will depend on the volume of bio-waste produced, the space available and the internal resources dedicated to this initiative.
This solution involves installing one or more composters directly on the company’s premises, ideally in a dedicated outdoor area. It requires regular management of the process (aeration, humidification, mixing) and can be carried out internally by trained employees or outsourced to a specialised company.
Case study: A commercial catering company (100 covers per day) generates around 50 kg of biowaste per week. Installing a 2m³ composter suitable for professionals and businesses (estimated cost between £3,000 and £4,000) would enable a significant proportion of this waste to be processed on site, thereby reducing collection costs.
Easy To Compost offers turnkey solutions for on-site composting:
Easy To Compost also offers an on-site compost maintenance and spreading service provided by an ESAT (or adapted company).
This option involves entrusting the entire management of bio-waste to a specialised service provider, without the need for any internal installation or handling. The service provider is responsible for sorting, collecting and transporting the waste to a recovery platform (industrial composting, methanisation, etc.).
This solution is ideal for companies that wish to completely outsource this process and benefit from a turnkey service. However, this solution is more expensive as it requires more logistics, with bins needing to be emptied every week to avoid the inconvenience of storing bio-waste.
The greater the quantity of bio-waste (particularly above 100 kilos per week), the more economically attractive outsourced collection can become.
Real-life example: A large industrial company generates a significant amount of bio-waste from its canteen and green spaces. Opting for outsourced collection would simplify waste management, reduce treatment costs and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Many companies offer a bio-waste collection service directly on company premises.
This solution involves pre-composting organic waste on site. This step allows the waste to be compacted and stored hygienically. Once the composter is full, a collection service provider collects the pre-composted material and transports it to a composting platform to complete the decomposition cycle, after which the compost can be used in local agriculture.
A customised “Compost & Collect” service by Easy To Compost:
If you decide to compost on site, choosing the right composter is crucial. Here are a few criteria to consider:
The capacity of the composter must be suited to the volume of bio-waste produced by your business. A restaurant will not have the same volumes of waste as an industrial business, of course.
There are different types of composters (wooden, plastic, rotating, etc.). The choice will depend on your needs and the space available.
Choose a composter that is easy to use and maintain to ensure its long-term effectiveness.
Ensure that the composter (or bio-waste management provider) complies with current standards and has recognised environmental certifications.
Decathlon is a perfect example of how to turn a regulatory challenge into an opportunity for added value. Generating 350 kg of food waste annually, the company called on Easy To Compost to meet the requirements of the AGEC law. Easy To Compost implemented a customised solution including waste flow analysis, selection of suitable equipment and staff training.
The result is clear: Decathlon has significantly reduced the amount of waste sent to landfill, contributed to a circular economy and strengthened its responsible image among its customers!
The management of bio-waste is regulated by legislation, in particular by the AGEC (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy) law. This law requires companies to sort and recycle their bio-waste. It is therefore important to find out about the legal obligations applicable to your company and to set up a compliant composting system.
The cost varies depending on the solution chosen and the volume of bio-waste to be treated. At Easy To Compost, prices start at £89 per month for 100 kg of waste per year or £120 per month for 1,000 kg per year. Adaptable depending on the solution! Contact the team for more information or a quote tailored to your needs.
Some local authorities offer financial assistance to businesses that implement composting initiatives. The best thing to do is to contact your local authority directly for more information.