TUCO Launches dedicated waste management framework

29th September 2017

The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) has launched a dedicated Sustainable Food Waste Management contract for the higher education and public sector. The contract has been developed in response to in-depth research conducted with Footprint which revealed that food waste costs the education sector a staggering 250 million a year[1].

Providing access to a network of specialist renewable companies, including regional and national service providers, the procurement structure consists of five lots:

1. On-Site Food Waste Innovation
2. Used Disposable Cup Collection Service
3. Waste Coffee Ground Collection Service
4. Off-Site Sustainable Food Waste Management Service
5. Waste Oil Recycling Collection & Disposal Service

[1] 

Speaking about the new framework, Mandy Johnston, TUCO Category Manager, said: “The sustainability sector is ever evolving, which can be time and resource intensive for caterers to maintain pace with. Given it’s such a vital area of concern for our members, TUCO wanted to help streamline the process of identifying relevant suppliers to satisfy TUCO Member needs. It’s with this in mind that we’ve developed the contract through a Dynamic Purchasing System.

“Our new Sustainable Food Waste Management contract is built to be flexible and dynamic so that new food waste management innovators can be added as they become available. TUCO members can also recommend operators to the contract, encouraging the sharing of best practice. Ultimately, the aim is to provide efficient and cost-effective access to the best service providers and help our members to meet their sustainable business objectives.”

Sustainability in action – case study

The University of Wolverhampton is already benefiting from services supplied through TUCO’s Sustainable Food Waste Management Framework. Working with Organic Waste Logistics Ltd, the university has introduced an organic waste logistics system, as part of its drive to prevent food waste being sent to landfill. Since being installed, staff have seen an improvement in hygiene levels, as rubbish is no longer left to collect throughout the week and is instead sent to an anaerobic digestion plant, where it’s converted into energy and organic fertiliser.

For more information on the TUCO waste management framework and to see a list of full suppliers, please click here.