Anaerobic Digestion Capacity Must Expand Urgently As Households Normalise Rising Food Waste
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Experts say the UK needs rapid new investment in anaerobic digestion (AD) capacity with food waste volumes still rising and more material being diverted into the system, as a new report from WRAP finds household food waste continues to be normalised among consumers.
Currently, the UK has 756 operational AD plants but Energy Live News reports that industry sources are warning that many smaller facilities are at risk of closure as legacy subsidy schemes wind down.
Approximately 36 million tonnes of organic waste go through AD plants every year at present, although that figure is expected to climb on the back of weekly household food waste collections being rolled out across England this month.
Already, an uplift in volume is being felt following Defra’s Simpler Recycling reforms for businesses who employ ten or more staff since these firm need separate dry recycling and dedicated food waste collections.
This requirement has pushed more organic material into AD facilities, while similar rules for UK households are set to intensify demand further.
Food Waste ‘Denial’ Persists, Finds WRAP
Already this year WRAP estimates that an average UK household of four will have wasted £200 of edible food by the end of Food Waste Action Week on Sunday (15 March), as food waste continues to be normalised and awareness of collections remains low.
In fact, almost two thirds (64%) of people in the UK believe some food waste at home is inevitable, according to a new report from the global environmental action NGO.
WRAP’s Household Food Management Survey finds that consumers believe there is little they can do to avoid food waste because of food spoilage, expiration dates, the complexity and unpredictability of daily life, and issues with cooking and portion control.
The survey of 5,509 UK adults also showed that 80% of people asked believe they waste less food than the national average, demonstrating that food waste “denial” persists.
Indeed, WRAP said consumer comfort with not using all purchased food has increased from 11% in 2024 to 18% in 2025.
Food waste levels in UK households contracted by a little over 2% in the last year, according to WRAP.
Self-reported waste of four key products – bread, milk, chicken, and potatoes – decreased slightly from 21% in 2024 to 18.8% in 2025.
“Competence in judging and buying the right amount has returned to November 2023 levels, with bread showing the greatest improvement and potatoes remaining a key weakness,” the organisation explained.
In general, WRAP found that lower-cost staple foods such as bread, potatoes, carrots, and apples continue to be wasted more than higher-cost items like pork and fresh chicken.
Despite the dip in waste, the proportion of respondents classified as high food wasters remains unchanged at 27%.
High food wasters remain concentrated in certain groups, including: younger age groups, households with young children, larger households, and frequent shoppers.
To reduce household food waste across the UK, WRAP said action is needed at all levels, from individual households to businesses and policymakers, in order to challenge food waste ‘denial’ and align waste prevention with value and affordability, among other measures.
FPC Fresh Awards Net Zero Impact Award
Any business making bold or pioneering strides to reduce food waste, carbon emissions and advance sustainability should enter for a chance to win the FPC Fresh Awards Net Zero Impact Award this year.
Launched last year, this award recognises the innovative strategies, technologies, or initiatives that minimise environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency, and drive progress towards a net-zero future.
Taking place at the JW Mariott Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on Friday 25 September, the FPC Fresh Awards is a black-tie event that shines a spotlight on the trailblazers, innovators and dedicated teams who are shaping the future of the industry.
From groundbreaking agritech solutions and sustainability milestones to outstanding retail partnerships and inspirational individuals, the awards celebrate excellence at every stage of the supply chain.
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