Croydon's fast food waste to light up thousands of homes
anna.edwards@essnmedia.co.uk
A McDonald's franchisee is doing his bit to save the planet by turning his fast food waste into energy.
Four out of seven of Gary Adams' restaurants will have their waste collected and converted into energy.
Over a year, this is expected to produce enough electricity to power 3.6 million light bulbs for one hour, the equivalent of three evenings worth of light for every one of Croydon's 330,000 households.
The McDonald's restaurant waste is collected by Veolia Environmental Services and sent to South East London Combined Heat and Power (SELCHP), the energy recovery facility in Deptford.
It is then converted into energy that is channelled into the National Grid and used to power homes and businesses across the UK, including those in the capital.
The fast-food branches involved are in the Whitgift Centre, Church Street, Wellesley Road and Valley Retail Park.
Mr Adams said: "I'm delighted my restaurants are implementing the energy from waste programme as I'm always looking at new ways to tackle restaurant waste and reduce environmental impact.
"Every bit of rubbish – from burgers to bin bags – will be turned into energy, which is very exciting because it's showing new ways of being able to help the environment while still running your business.
"As long as the facilities are there we will try our best to save as much energy as we can. You have to think about how you're helping the environment."
Mr Adams said his outlets have been trying to drastically reduce their waste by recycling as much material as they can.
He said: "We started recycling cardboard about 18 months ago, and we're looking to start recycling plastics too.
"We've invested in our heating and cooling systems in the restaurants, so we don't waste energy unnecessarily, making the outlet hot or cold."
He added: "To be able to turn rubbish into enough energy to power homes is very encouraging. You can see that your efforts are worthwhile.
"By 2012 we want to have stopped using landfills, and I think it's achievable.
"If the infrastructure is there, I think businesses will be willing to do their bit."
FROM BURGERS TO BULBS: The waste collected from the outlets will be turned into energy, powering lightbulbs
Photo no: CCRdf050109d by Danny Fitzpatrick
CCRdf050109d 02 ross gary Adams owns 8 McDonalds franchises. business is up by 11% and he is now employing 80 new staff. McDonalds Valley Park, Waddon fast food burgers junk healthy unhealthy america *** Local Caption *** Copyright Croydon Advertiser
Comment on this story