Why Recycle Food Waste?

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During the 12 days of the 2007 Minnesota State Fair, more than 37 tons of food waste was composted, 22.5 tons of bottles and cans were recycled, and more than 20 tons of pallets were recycled.

Facts

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans waste nearly 3,000 pounds of food each second, or 100 billion pounds each year. Food waste makes up 12% of all U.S. waste. More businesses are realizing this and taking action. However, as of 2005, the EPA reported that less than 3% of food waste was recycled in the U.S.

Benefits

It saves money! Recovery and recycling of food products, just like other solid waste, may save you money.

  • It can save on solid waste fees.
  • Recycling food can save on energy and water usage.
  • Donating food to charities can also provide tax deductions.
  • The awareness of food waste production can also create more awareness of buying only what is needed, therefore saving on purchasing costs.
  • Finally, if you choose to compost on-site, revenue can be created by selling the rich compost to gardeners in the area.

Environmental benefits result too! Recycling food improves both environmental and human health.

  • According to EPA, incinerated waste, which is the fate for 14% of waste in the U.S., creates air emissions and produces a toxic ash which is landfilled.
  • The reduction of solid waste can eliminate foul odor, pest infestation, and fires in trash dumpsters.
  • It also feeds livestock quality food products, or if composted, creates a rich, healthy soil.

Options

There are several options available for food waste recovery and recycling, depending on the food produced and logistics of disposal. EPA recommends following a food waste hierarchy.

  • Point-source reduction addresses your food waste before it even exists.
  • Feeding hungry people is next, looking at options in your community to donate your food.
  • Feeding hungry animals follows, considering options such as food waste for hog feed or conversion into livestock feed. Industrial uses for waste oils can also be considered, with some food waste used for digestion to save energy.
  • Finally, composting food waste is an option, either independently (small volume) or with a large-scale composter.

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)

Posted: February 28th, 2008

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