Veolia is collaborating with worm foundry manufacturer Worm Ganix to carry out trials at its Starbucks store in Bradford's Centenary Square, with Veolia facilitating the collection of used coffee grounds to follow the 'Worm Ganix method' It is believed that
The Wormganix method involves feeding worms a mixture of paper pulp and used coffee grounds, which they digest to produce a “nutrient-rich” fertilizer such as humus or vermicompost.
These fertilizers contain microorganisms, fungi, and bacteria that improve soil health.
Wormganix's facility is located in Cleckheaton.
Veolia has already recycled three tonnes of used coffee grounds in collaboration with Wormganix. That's the equivalent of 420,000 single-shot coffees.
According to Veolia's press office, used coffee grounds are naturally rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
Kevin Payne, northern regional operations manager for Soul Coffee House Limited (Starbucks licensee for the Centenary Square store), said: “We are thrilled that this will have a positive impact on Bradford and support local businesses and the community. I'm excited.''
“While we are still in the early stages of our new trial with Wormganix, we are excited and proud that the Centenary Square Bradford store is another important step in Starbucks UK’s efforts to tackle food waste. I think so.”
Adam Wylie, Veolia Managing Director Commercial “We are tackling the most important waste streams.”
“We look forward to the results of the trial and the positive impact it may have on the coffee industry.”
This trial runs alongside Starbucks' other food waste efforts to tackle coffee grounds waste.
These include the 'Grounds For Your Garden' scheme, where stores across the UK donate bags of used coffee grounds to customers for use in their gardens.
Starbucks also supports companies with innovative food waste ideas through the Eat It Up Fund, a partnership between Starbucks and environmental charity HubBub.
Veolia Group employs “almost” 218,000 people and bills itself as designing and deploying “useful and tangible” solutions for water, waste and energy management.
The organization planned to provide drinking water to 113 million people and sanitation to 103 million people in 2023, a spokesperson said. Generates 42 terawatt-hours of energy. Collecting 63 million tons of waste.
For more information about Veolia, please visit www.veolia.com.
