Working with Leicestershire County Council, we are exploring how to improve the flow of nutrients from organic materials into, within and out of the county. Nutrient flows are vital elements of the UK's bio-economy with environmental, social and economic importance in securing food supply, restoring the aquatic environment, maintaining biodiversity and meeting net-zero.
Report
A new report, Reorganising nutrient flows in Leicestershire argues a systems approach is needed for proper nutrient management.
Our work
We're exploring the flow of nutrients – nitrogen and phosphorous – from organic materials such as:
- Food waste – domestic, institutional / hospitality, factories / manufacturing
- Green waste – domestic gardens, allotments, council parks, road verges
- Farm waste – crop residues, farmyard manure, dairy slurry, abattoir animal by-products
- Sewage – dry cake, river discharge
- Anaerobic digestion digestate
The current linear and imbalanced nature of nutrient flows creates significant challenges. For example, urban centres concentrate nutrient elements imported from surrounding catchments, which creates a substantial waste management problem for local authorities and municipal operators. Viewing such nutrient flows as a resource allows them to be managed differently as part of a circular economy, both within cities, through new value-added activities, and along the city-rural links as sustainable agricultural fertiliser solutions.
Our work with Leicestershire County Council is an opportunity to respond to recent and upcoming policies, particularly the mandatory weekly collection of food wastes by 2023, as directed by the Environment Bill.
External team
Partners
- Leicestershire County Council
- Defra
- Biffa Aqua Enviro
- 3Keel
- Good Food Oxford