Supporting local farmers with sustainable compost

Renewi Wakefield in the UK has set up a mutually beneficial arrangement with three local farms, which will take 6,000 tonnes of top-grade compost annually.

Our Wakefield site processes green waste from civic amenity sites and kerbside collection rounds. This is then shredded, tunnel composted (in a closed-off, controlled ventilation system) and then screened to produce a high-quality compost, classified as a product and no longer a waste. The compost is peat-free and a sustainable soil improver with no added chemicals. It also improves light soils by enhancing water retention, reduces loss of nutrients and stimulates beneficial soil life. 

From 160 tonnes of initial green waste in a tunnel, we produce approximately 60 tonnes of final product compost. Compost processed at the site contains similar nutrients to fertiliser, but as organic matter it is much more beneficial to the soil – and the environment. The compost is of high quality and is PAS100-compliant (a widely recognised standard within the organics recycling sector).

Compost processed at the site contains similar nutrients to fertiliser, but as organic matter it is much more beneficial to the soil – and the environment.

Robert Copley, one of the farmers who is now using the compost on his farm, says: “Compost is so much better for the soil than fertiliser, which is laden with chemicals. It provides a much slower release of nutrients. It improves the soil’s structure and fertility and can increase a crop’s yield potential.”

Drew Pearson, the site’s operations manager, added: “I’m really happy with this arrangement. It benefits the environment, saves us money and means we’re working closely with our local community. It’s a definite win-win.”

Councillor Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “Reusing composted material locally in this way has multiple environmental benefits, including helping to address climate change by reducing reliance on manufactured fertiliser and improving soil conditions for agricultural use without damaging ecosystems. This is true circular economy principles put into practice.”

It benefits the environment, saves us money and means we’re working closely with our local community

Drew Pearson, Wakefield site manager