Meath County Council Takes Action on Sustainability with Harp Renewables

As a forward-thinking local authority, Meath County Council is dedicated to building a more sustainable future for County Meath. The Council is committed to minimising its environmental footprint while providing valuable services to the community. Through initiatives like the creation of recycling centres in Navan, Trim, and Kells, Meath County Council promotes waste management, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. Now, the council has taken another big step forward by collaborating with Harp Renewables to introduce a cutting-edge food waste processing solution at its Navan Recycling Centre.

A Greener Future: The Introduction of the Harp CX5 Food Waste Processor

Recognising the growing need for sustainable food waste solution, Meath County Council partnered with Harp Renewables to install the Harp CX5 bio-digestor at the Navan Recycling Centre. This innovative system is designed to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich fertiliser in less than 24 hours, supporting the Council’s climate action plan, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and using renewable energy sources.

The Harp CX5 can process up to 5,000 litres of food waste per week, making it an ideal solution for the growing demand for sustainable waste management. This fully automated processor requires minimal operator involvement, which means the Council can efficiently manage food waste while reducing operational costs.

A Sustainable Solution for the Local Community

The Harp CX5 installation at Navan Recycling Centre reflects Meath County Council’s commitment to sustainability. Residents can now drop off food waste, which is turned into reusable fertilizer, reducing landfill waste and methane emissions. To support participation, the Council provided kitchen caddy bins and compostable bags, along with workshops to raise awareness and guide proper use, promoting a cleaner, greener County Meath.

Specifications

• Equipment: Harp CX5
• Waste Stream: On-site canteen waste.
• Capacity: 715 Litres/Day, 5000 Litres/Week, 260,000 Litres/Year
• Estimated CO2 Savings: -3227.4 KgCO2eq (- 3.2 Tonnes CO2eq)

Key Benefits of the Harp CX5

• Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions: By diverting organic food waste from landfills, the Harp CX5 helps prevent the release of harmful greenhouse gases like methane, which is commonly emitted when food waste decomposes in landfills.
• Converts Food Waste into Fertilizer: The nutrient-rich product produced by the food waste processor can be used to enhance soil quality, improving plant health and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Sustainable Waste Management: The CX5 is a perfect example of how innovative technology can be used to manage waste more efficiently and sustainably, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
• Community Engagement: The project not only supports sustainability but also fosters community involvement. By offering residents an easy way to contribute to a greener environment, the Council empowers local citizens to make a positive impact.

Impact on Meath County’s Sustainability Goals

The integration of the Harp CX5 food waste processor is a clear example of how technology can play a significant role in advancing sustainability goals. The project has allowed Meath County Council to take a concrete step toward reducing food waste, cutting carbon emissions, and helping residents dispose of their waste more responsibly. This investment contributes to the larger goal of creating a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient county.

Results in Numbers

The impact of this collaboration is already visible:

• Processing Capacity: 5,000 liters of food waste per week, contributing to a significant reduction in landfill waste.
• Carbon Savings: The introduction of the Harp CX5 is expected to save approximately 3.2 tonnes of CO2 annually, furthering Meath County’s climate action plan.
• Nutrient-Rich Fertilizer: The digestate produced by the system is a valuable resource that can be used to improve local soil quality, benefiting agricultural practices in the county.

By introducing the Harp CX5, Meath County Council is advancing sustainable waste management and supporting climate goals. The collaboration with Harp Renewables boosts community awareness of eco-friendly practices.

Looking Ahead

As Meath County Council continues to lead by example, it remains committed to fostering sustainable practices across all its operations. The success of the Harp CX5 at the Navan Recycling Centre is just the beginning. With more residents and businesses becoming engaged in waste reduction efforts, Meath County is on track to become an even greener, more sustainable place to live and work.

By embracing innovative waste management technologies and encouraging community participation, Meath County Council is ensuring that its residents play an active role in creating a low-carbon, environmentally-conscious future.

To learn more about the Harp CX5 and how it works, watch the demonstration video provided by Meath County Council, and join the movement toward a greener future for County Meath!

“Our customers are delighted that they now have a solution for food waste and are not contributing to unnecessary environmental damage caused by sending organic matter to landfill. Harp Renewables have been hugely helpful and very responsive to any questions we have had, particularly in the early days while everyone was getting used to using the food waste processor. There has also been a lot of interest in the food waste processor from other Local Authorities and the DCCAE. It would be an ideal solution to any organisation with excess food waste and I would have no hesitation in recommending Harp Renewables to any interested party”.

– Bernadine Carry, Environmental Awareness Officer at Meath County Council