Dear Eartha, I collect my food scraps at home, but my restaurant doesn’t. How can I help them start composting food waste?
That’s fantastic! You’re part of over 3,000 Summit County residents taking part in the High Country Conservation Center free residential Food Scrap Program. Since 2018, this initiative has helped divert over 2 million pounds of food waste from landfills in Summit County. That’s no small feat!
Restaurants can also play a big role in this movement. About 25 restaurants in the area have embraced composting. By starting this practice, your restaurant could significantly contribute to reducing community waste. Begin the conversation with your boss and colleagues and share these impactful stats.
Why Compost Food Scraps?
- Cut Down on Trash: Separating food waste from regular trash can lead to smaller dumpster sizes and less frequent pickups, saving money.
- Visualize Waste: Tracking food waste helps restaurants adjust portion sizes and minimize waste, which can lead to cost savings.
- Attract Conscious Diners: Many customers appreciate eco-friendly practices. Highlighting your composting efforts can attract more patrons.
- Help Extend Landfill Life: Food waste comprises over 20% of landfill material. Keeping it out can help extend the life of our landfill—a crucial effort in our area.
- Reduce Methane Emissions: Food waste in landfills releases methane, a harmful gas. Composting mitigates this problem.
- Create Quality Compost: Your food scraps can be turned into nutrient-rich compost that nourishes local gardens and lawns.
Steps to Start Composting
It may seem challenging, but getting started with composting is straightforward. Here’s a quick guide:
- Evaluate Your Space: Check if you can add a food waste bin in your trash area.
- Contact Your Hauler: Ask if they provide food waste collection services. The High Country Conservation Center can help you find the right contacts.
- Design Your Program: Place bins in areas where food scraps are generated. Make it easy for staff to transfer waste to the larger container outside.
- Train Your Team: Educate your employees about the composting process and best practices.
- Set Up Collection Service: Begin your waste collection with your hauler.
- Keep It Simple: Only collect food waste; other items like paper or plastic do not belong in the compost.
For expert help, reach out to the High Country Conservation Center. They can provide free resources, including site visits and training.
What Can You Compost?
In our local program, only food scraps are accepted. Items like paper, plastic, and biodegradable bags are not allowed.
What About Edible Food?
If there’s still edible food, consider donating it. Organizations like Cafe Food Rescue collect surplus food and redistribute it to community resources. To learn more, visit CAFEFoodRescue.org.
Ask Eartha Steward is a service of the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit focused on waste reduction. Send your questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.
Recent data shows that composting can lead to a 25% reduction in disposal costs for businesses that implement it. Not only does this reinforce the positive impact on the environment, but it also highlights a financial incentive for restaurants looking to save money. With more consumers prioritizing sustainability, adapting to these practices can also boost your restaurant’s image.
