Waste management
Of our total waste, 95% consist of organic waste and packaging materials such as cardboard, paper, aluminum, plastic, glass, metal and wood. The remaining 5% are composed of greasy waste and detergent residue.
Our suppliers deliver raw materials to our Food and Facilities Management Services sites for processing. Inevitably we generate waste in the form of packaging materials associated with our raw materials, even if this waste is not particularly hazardous.
Through its activity, Sodexo Service Vouchers and Cards produces paper and plastic-based media. We are addressing our concern to reduce the use of these resources and to promote dematerialized solutions to our clients and customers.
Reducing the volume of waste
Sodexo implements initiatives aimed at reducing waste disposal to landfills through sound purchasing practices and appropriate food preparation methods:
- Use of refillable containers where possible
- Purchase in bulk containers to reduce packaging requirements
- Purchase of products that utilize recycled materials
- Reduction in the number of cleaning supplies and detergents
- Utilization of concentrated product to reduce shipping weight
- Reduction in paper products through the use of electronic communication means.
China
In 2008, Sodexo reduced the average amount of waste generated per person in our client - GlaxoSmithKline - cafeteria from 150 grams to 100 grams. In addition to collecting trays for reuse, exhibit boards and posters around the cafeteria promote awareness of world grain shortage.
Separating waste
We have developed recycling and treatment programs for:
- Plastic, paper, iron, wood, etc
- Effluent waste
- Electronic waste
- Hazardous waste
- Office waste
Used cooking oil (UCO)
As a major user of cooking oil, we are implementing programs to optimize the collection and recovery of UCO at all our restaurant kitchens. Specialized companies now reconvert the used cooking oils into biodiesel. The collection of waste canola cooking oil not only results in less material going to the landfill, but also in the generation of a useful alternative fuel for vehicles. Over its lifecycle, biodiesel from UCO emits 78% less CO2 than petroleum diesel.
United Kingdom
Working in partnership with Honda in 2007, the Sodexo team at the Swindon manufacturing facility installed a plant to convert UCO into biodiesel for use in Sodexo vehicles. The plant is expected to generate a maximum of 5,000 liters of biodiesel annually and eliminate the need for an equivalent amount of diesel, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and costs. A Sodexo vehicle is currently powered by 100% biodiesel and a trial was successfully conducted with a Honda CRV model car.
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