Research, Reports & Publications

New Belgium Brewing’s 2011 Waste Diversion Report Highlights Tactics and Goals to Become a Zero-Waste Brewery

In 2011, New Belgium had a waste diversion rate of 94.38 percent
Jul 30, 2012 3:05 PM ET

(3BL Media) Fort Collins, CO – July 30, 2012 – New Belgium Brewing’s 2011 Waste Diversion Report is now available at newbelgium.com and shows the brewery diverted 94.38 percent of its waste from landfills last year. However, this number would climb significantly if the craft brewer included spent grain, spent yeast, spent Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or Process Water Treatment Plant sludge, since these materials are diverted to local farms. When including these brewing byproducts, the diversion rate jumps to 99.88 percent for 2011.

The 2011 report, which can be found at http://www.newbelgium.com/files/sustainability/2011%20NBB%20Waste%20Diverion%20Report.pdf, takes a look at the improvements, success and challenges of New Belgium’s 2011 waste diversion and reduction efforts. It also outlines future projects and tasks that New Belgium hopes will increase its diversion rate and overall waste reduction.

 “Our ultimate goal is to someday be able to say that we send zero waste to landfills,” said New Belgium Waste Reduction & Diversion Specialist Alie Rich.  “We’re close, but we definitely still have some work to do.  That’s why every year we take a good look at what’s working and what’s not so we can ultimately meet and exceed our objectives.”

In 2011, some of the ways that New Belgium worked to improve its waste systems included:

  • Eliminating two trash dumpsters at its Process Water Treatment Plant and Malt building and replacing them with recycling containers for super sacks, plastic bags and Mylar bags. 
  • Adding compost collection to New Belgium’s offsite warehouse.
  • Diverting plastic bags, super sacks, Mylar bags, chip bags and compost discs out of landfills.  Additionally, the brewery improved systems to collect more Styrofoam and paper packaging than in previous years.

For 2012, New Belgium has several tasks and initiatives outlined as well, including:

  • Working to identify waste opportunities where New Belgium can eliminate waste before it enters the brewery.
  • Eradicating or reducing waste that New Belgium sends to the landfill.
  • Activating projects that will work to increase New Belgium’s waste diversion rate.

For a complete list of specific goals and projects to meet these initiatives, you can view at the full report at http://www.newbelgium.com/files/sustainability/2011%20NBB%20Waste%20Diverion%20Report.pdf.  For more information on New Belgium Brewing, visit www.newbelgium.com.

About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

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