Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 28th May 2026 Issue no. 1212
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Landmark partnership for sustainable food waste management
Sustainable food waste management solutions specialist Keenan Recycling has secured its largest-ever direct national food waste contract with Heart with Smart Group - the sole franchisee operator of Pizza Hut Restaurants in the UK.
Since July, Keenan Recycling has successfully collected food waste from all Heart with Smart Group's Pizza Hut Restaurants across the UK.
By diverting 123 tonnes of food waste from landfill, it has prevented the release of an equivalent amount of CO2 into the atmosphere. This saved CO2 has been harnessed to produce renewable energy through anaerobic digestion (AD) - enough clean energy to power 15 British households for an entire year.
To minimise its environmental footprint, it employs a combination of diesel and HVO trucks for its collections. This strategic approach has resulted in a reduction of six tonnes of CO2 emissions in just two months, solely from transportation.
The success of this partnership is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Keenan's team, as well as the support it has received from Heart with Smart Group.
"This is a truly exciting moment for Keenan Recycling,” says Grant Keenan, managing director of Keenan Recycling. “Securing this national contract with Heart with Smart Group's Pizza Hut Restaurants is a validation of our capabilities and a testament to the hard work of our team. We are proud to be partnering with such a well-known and respected brand to make a positive impact on the environment."
Steve Packer, chief financial officer of Heart with Smart Group, adds: "The Heart with Smart group is delighted to agree a direct national contract for all of our Pizza Hut Restaurants across the UK. As well as providing excellent service, the principles that Keenan displays regarding the environmental impact of food waste are closely aligned with our own and we are proud to partner with the company in this important space."
Aaron Oreschnick, restaurant general manager of Heart with Smart Group's Pizza Hut in Manchester, expressed his satisfaction with Keenan Recycling's collection services, saying:
"The food waste collection service has been top-notch. They are always on time, efficient, and professional. We've had no issues at all and are very happy with their work."
Heart with Smart Group has been a pioneer in sustainable practices, with a goal of reaching net zero GHG emissions across its value chain by 2040. The company has already made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint, including reducing operational food waste by 80%. Key areas include:
• Food waste reduction: A reduction in operational food waste by 80% since joining the WRAP's Courtauld 2025 agreement
• Recycling and waste management: The implementation of effective operational methods for segregating recyclable materials and minimising waste
• Sustainable packaging: Replaced glass bottles with plastic bottles made from 100% recycled plastic
• Industry leadership: Heart with Smart Group is a founding member of the Zero Carbon Forum, working collaboratively with other industry leaders to reduce carbon emissions
31st October 2024