According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture1, each year Americans toss more than 30 percent of consumer and retail food. If it is sent to a landfill though, it generates methane gas, which is approximately 23 times stronger than carbon dioxide. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)2 estimates that landfills are the third-largest source of methane emission in the U.S., accounting for 14 percent. That makes food waste a significant factor in contributing to our collective carbon footprint.
In 20163, CalRecycle began a statewide mandate related to AB 1826, requiring commercial organics recycling. The most recent implementation deadline on January 1st, 2019 stated, “Businesses that generate more than 4 cubic yards of solid waste per month shall arrange for a food waste recycling service.”
This threshold was created to raise the sense of urgency for any food waste generator who hadn’t yet participated in organics recycling. Companies such as Resource Management Group (RMG) offer a solution for those that need to be in compliance and for those who value sustainable practices within their organization.
RMG offers sanitized containers to operators to easily collect food waste material at the source. The service can significantly increase diversion while reducing a business’s carbon footprint. An important aspect of this service is the convenience of a pod containing four 35-gallon totes that RMG will supply. Each tote can be stationed as needed for kitchen-accessible prep or post- consumer food waste. They are easily transportable and have a lockable lid to prevent scavengers from getting in. Each container is also weighed and recorded to report monthly diversion back to the customer.
With the recyclable food waste going to local farms and compost sites, it is used for livestock feed or to bring nutrients back to our soils. RMG offers restaurants a solution to close the loop on a circular economy. Please reach out to see how your restaurant can do its part on reducing its carbon footprint—while making sure to be compliant.