Inghams’ zero waste to landfill goal

Inghams is one of Australia’s largest poultry providers, supplying Australian families with quality chicken and turkey products.

Inghams (Inghams Enterprises) believes in ‘doing things right’ and its commitment to reducing waste by recycling and re-using its products and waste materials is no different.

As part of the company’s sustainability strategy, Inghams Enterprises has set an ambitious goal of zero waste to landfill. In 2014, Inghams enlisted SUEZ’s expertise in recycling and recovery to help meet this challenge.

SUEZ Queensland State Sales Manager Liesl Hull worked with Inghams to implement complete waste management solutions at its Murarrie Processing Plant and its Advanced Water Treatment Plant.

While an initial waste audit demonstrated that Inghams started on a strong footing, the challenge was to identify simple and cost-effective ways to achieve further diversion from landfill, while maintaining overall workplace efficiency.

“By reviewing Inghams’ existing arrangements, we identified a number of gaps. We introduced soiled plastics, paper towel recycling and specialised liquid services solutions at the Murarrie Processing Plant. We also provided liquid services for their on-site award winning Advanced Water Treatment Plant,” said Liesl.

The Murarrie Advanced Water Treatment Plant received the Australian Prime Minister’s Water Wise Award in 2010, which demonstrates Inghams’ commitment to sustainability.

“At times, operations at the plant were interrupted due to overloaded waste pits. We sat down with the Inghams team to review and forecast their liquid waste volumes and together developed a reliable service schedule that fit their specific requirements.

“We also introduced a number of innovations that transform the way Inghams handles soiled plastics. Plastic waste is now washed, shredded and then recycled. A further 20 tonnes of plastics per month is now diverted from landfill.

“We have also implemented other simple but effective steps for Inghams to be more cost efficient, including introducing a cardboard compactor to make recycling much easier,” Liesl said.

Engagement with over 1000 on-site employees was an important part of the change process, and included face-to-face training and regular communications on the new recycling practices.

Providing Inghams with a complete waste management solution has led to a significant cost saving of more than 30% per annum and an increased diversion rate of 95% at both plants.

With the zero-waste-to-landfill target edging closer, Inghams and SUEZ are now looking at further ways to achieve greater diversion and recovery.

Originally published here.