Angus Fire is diverting more than 4 million pounds of waste from landfill each year, by recycling by-products from the manufacture of fire-fighting foam. At its Bentham, U.K., manufacturing facility, the UTC Fire & Security subsidiary has provided material known as “filter cake” for use as raw material in compost.
Working with the United Kingdom Environment Agency, Angus Fire analyzed the filter cake for reusable components. It was determined that the filter cake contained organic nitrogen and calcium compounds – both key ingredients in compost.
Composting processes enable the rapid decomposition of organic materials and wastes. Biodegradable matter such as grasses, leaves, paper, and food waste are broken down by bacteria to produce a stable compost material for use in horticultural and agricultural applications. The filter cake from the foam manufacturing process at Bentham contributes calcium and nitrogen to the compost, elements that are essential for plant growth.
“Thanks to the hard work from all concerned, we in the European fire protection business are pleased to be fulfilling an important role in helping UTC achieve its environmental targets,” said Paul Williams, Angus Fire’s Managing Director.
The project makes economic sense, too. Landfill space in the U.K. is becoming scarce and expensive. By composting the by-product, UTC Fire & Security is saving money, while being environmentally friendly.
The 100-year-old Bentham facility has a history of innovation. In 1943, it developed Flamefighter, the first Reinforced Rubber Lined (RRL) fire hose, and in the 1990s the facility produced the first clean-agent fire suppression systems. Creating compost from filter cake adds another innovative solution to the list.