Energy from Waste. It’s something that we talk a lot about here at Rabbit. But it’s not necessarily a concept that’s widely known about outside of our industry. So, we’ve put together this simple guide to shine some light on this environmentally friendly technology and explain how it works.
What is Energy from Waste?
When we collect full skips from our customers, they are returned to our West Sussex site. Each skip is sorted through our mechanical processing plant (Materials Recovery Facility – MRF), with a final hand pick to ensure quality. Plastics, soil, bricks, hardcore, and metals are all removed for recycling and what remains enters our state-of-the-art Energy Recovery Facility. Here, contents are finely shredded in our UNTHA machine and screened before being burned. This process produces super-heated steam that drives high-pressure turbines to generate electricity.
Quite simply, we create enough electricity to power 8000 homes just from processing unwanted waste from skips.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of Energy from Waste plants go beyond producing green electricity.
- Recycling from skip waste is maximised
- Almost no waste goes to landfill. Rabbit alone diverts over 75,000 tonnes of waste away from the UK’s over-stretched landfill sites
- Green electricity is produced without relying on fossil fuels
- Energy from Waste forms part of a low-carbon, circular economy in the UK
Are there any downsides?
In the past, there’s been debate about the future of Energy from Waste plants. However, there’s a growing consensus that EfW is the best solution to the UK’s residual waste problem.
Some have voiced concerns about emissions. At our EfW plant, we treat exhausts through a cooling process and filter plant that’s monitored around the clock. They’re always below the maximum permitted levels and pose no risk to our community.
How can I get involved?
When you’ve next got a home renovation, garden overhaul, or big sort-out planned, hiring a skip is a great way to get rid of a lot of unwanted rubbish in one go. Choosing a skip hire company in West Sussex wisely makes sure that your waste is disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Always look for a company with the necessary licensing and accreditations – fly-tipping is an increasing and worrying problem in the UK.
And if you don’t need a skip? We’ve still got plenty of advice on how to minimise your waste and maximise recycling. Our website has information on ways to live more sustainably, ideas to reduce your energy consumption, and insights into new recycling innovations that all play a role in creating a greener world.
To find out more about green waste disposal, skip hire in West Sussex, and our Energy Recovery Facility, contact Rabbit. Reach us on 01903 762020 or email info@rabbitgroup.co.uk.
