Bimbo Bakeries USA breaks ground on wastewater recycling system

Bimbo Bakeries USA, a Horsham, Pa.-based supplier of bakery products under its own brands and for private label customers, said it began construction on a biodigester at its Hazleton bakery. The new system will reduce wastewater disposal while generating renewable energy. 

In addition to energy savings, the pretreatment system will reduce truck emissions created by weekly wastewater disposal transportation. Bimbo Bakeries said it expects to achieve an overall reduction of 27,750 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere each year by cutting back on the number of diesel transportation vehicles required to dispose the wastewater.

“We are looking forward to the many environmental benefits provided by the new biodigester,” said James McKeown, director of sustainability at Bimbo Bakeries USA. “We are continuously looking for ways to build on our commitment to sustainability, and the reduction of our off-site waste discharge will reduce Hazleton Bakery’s carbon footprint and natural gas usage.”

The biodigester installation is expected to be operational at the Hazelton cake plant this fall, the company noted.