Keenan Recycling Secures Largest-Ever National Contract
Keenan Recycling, the UK’s leading provider of sustainable food waste management solutions, has achieved a significant milestone by securing its largest direct national food waste contract with Heart with Smart Group, the exclusive franchisee operator of Pizza Hut Restaurants in the UK. This partnership highlights Keenan Recycling’s growth and its commitment to driving environmental sustainability through innovative waste management strategies.
A Nationwide Effort in Food Waste Management
Spanning from the wild Scottish Highlands to England’s southern shores, Keenan Recycling now oversees food waste collection across all Heart with Smart Group’s Pizza Hut branches across the UK. Their dedicated teams ensure that food waste is efficiently diverted from landfills, showcasing their dedication to delivering top-tier service across a national network.
Keenan Recycling’s operational expertise has enabled them to tackle large-scale waste management, further solidifying their role as a key player in the sustainability industry. Their efforts are a reflection of their determination to provide impactful waste solutions on a nationwide scale.
Reducing Environmental Impact
Since the partnership began in July 2024, Keenan Recycling has collected an impressive 189 tonnes of food waste from Heart with Smart Group’s Pizza Hut locations across the UK. This achievement highlights the efficiency and reliability of Keenan Recycling’s services.
To further minimise the environmental impact, the company utilises a mix of diesel and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) trucks for their collections. In just two months, this eco-conscious approach has resulted in a six-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions from transportation alone.
Moreover, by diverting 123 tonnes of food waste from landfill, they have prevented the release of a significant volume of CO2 into the atmosphere. This avoided CO2 is then converted into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion (AD), producing enough clean energy to power 15 British households for an entire year. This achievement underscores Keenan Recycling’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative recycling processes.
A Collaborative Partnership for Positive Change
The success of this partnership can be attributed to the dedication and collaboration between both Keenan Recycling and Heart with Smart Group. Grant Keenan, Managing Director of Keenan Recycling, expressed his enthusiasm: “Securing this national contract is a proud moment for Keenan Recycling. Partnering with Heart with Smart Group’s Pizza Hut Restaurants is a testament to our capabilities and the hard work of our team. Together, we are making a tangible impact on the environment.”
Steve Packer, Chief Financial Officer of Heart with Smart Group, echoed this sentiment: “We are delighted to work with Keenan Recycling. Their environmental values closely align with our own, and we are proud to be leading efforts in reducing food waste and carbon emissions in our Pizza Hut Restaurants across the UK.”
Commitment to Sustainability at Heart with Smart Group
Heart with Smart Group has long been a pioneer in promoting sustainability, aiming to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its value chain by 2040. The company has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint, most notably cutting operational food waste by 80%.
Key achievements include:
- Food Waste Reduction: Achieved an 80% reduction in operational food waste since joining WRAP’s Courtauld 2025 agreement.
- Recycling and Waste Management: Implemented effective methods for segregating recyclables and minimising overall waste.
- Sustainable Packaging: Switched to plastic bottles made from 100% recycled materials, replacing traditional glass bottles.
- Industry Leadership: As a founding member of the Zero Carbon Forum, Heart with Smart Group collaborates with industry leaders to drive down carbon emissions.
A Bright Future for Sustainable Food Waste Solutions
The partnership between Keenan Recycling and Heart with Smart Group exemplifies how businesses can work together to build a sustainable future. As the UK gears up for new food waste regulations coming into effect in March 2025, Keenan Recycling is well-positioned to support businesses in meeting these requirements.
Through their innovative waste management solutions, Keenan Recycling continues to be a leader in sustainability, ensuring that businesses like Pizza Hut can align their operations with a greener future. This partnership is a strong example of how environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand.
