Biffa, a UK leader in sustainable waste management, has announced the acquisition of Keenan Recycling, a prominent food waste collections provider, to bolster its food waste collection capabilities.
This strategic move comes ahead of the anticipated rise in market demand and regulatory changes under the Simpler Recycling legislation.
Founded in 2003, Keenan Recycling provides food waste collection services to businesses, waste management companies, and councils throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. The company also operates a composting and biofuel facility in Aberdeen.
This acquisition enhances Biffa’s readiness for the Simpler Recycling legislation, which mandates the separation of dry recyclables and the separate collection of food waste. The legislation will be phased in across the UK, starting with businesses in England in March 2025, followed by households in 2026 and micro-businesses in 2027.
The acquisition follows Biffa’s recent acquisitions of L&S Waste Management, Hazrem Environmental Ltd, and Renewi’s UK municipal business, all aimed at bolstering the company’s sustainable management of various waste streams, including construction, hazardous, and household waste.
We are confident this acquisition will take our business – and the UK’s food waste recycling efforts – to the next level, helping to further reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future
Keenan Recycling currently collects approximately 56,000 tonnes of food waste annually through its 21 depots across the UK. The company’s fleet of 80 collection vehicles, utilising both diesel and HVO fuel, is equipped with advanced route optimization and bin weighing technology, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing operational efficiency.
Maxine Mayhew, Chief Operating Officer for Biffa’s Collections and Specialist Services, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Keenan Recycling has built an outstanding reputation as a leader in commercial food waste collections, and we’re delighted to be welcoming the expertise of 140 colleagues into the Biffa family. By integrating Keenan Recycling’s offering with our wider infrastructure and resources, we see tremendous potential to enhance our ability to meet the requirements of Simpler Recycling legislation.”
Keenan Recycling’s Managing Director, Grant Keenan, also highlighted the company’s growth and future potential under Biffa’s ownership. “We’re extremely proud of the remarkable growth we’ve achieved over the past 20 years. Biffa brings a wealth of expertise, infrastructure, and resources for accelerated growth, and we are confident this acquisition will take our business – and the UK’s food waste recycling efforts – to the next level, helping to further reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future,” said Keenan.
The acquisition of Keenan Recycling positions Biffa to offer its commercial customers enhanced options and flexibility in food waste collections, ensuring readiness for forthcoming legislative changes and continued progress towards a more sustainable waste management system in the UK.