According to EPA, more food reaches landfills and incinerators than any other single material in municipal solid waste (MSW). In 2010 alone, more than 34 million tons of food waste was generated, with only three percent diverted from landfills and incinerators for composting.
How Can I Divert Food From Landfills?
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Source Reduction/Prevention
Preventing food waste before it is created
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Feeding People
Donating fresh, wholesome food to those in need
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Feeding Animals
Feeding safe, fresh food scraps to animals like pig farms
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Industrial Uses
Rendering fats, oils, and grease and turning it into products or biofuel
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Composting
Turning food waste into a valuable soil amendment
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Anaerobic Digestion
Turning food waste into renewable energy and a valuable soil amendment
Why Divert Food Waste From Landfills?
Reducing the amount of food wasted has significant economic, social & environmental benefits:
Environmental Benefits
- Reduce Methane From Landfills
- Reduce Resource Use Associated with Food Production
- Create A Valuable Soil Amendment
Economic Benefits
- Lower Disposal Costs
- Reduce Over-Purchasing and Labor Costs
- Receive Tax Benefits by Donating Food
Social Benefits
- Feed People, Not Landfills
For more insights on the connection between environmental protection and food waste, visit EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/foodwaste/.
THINK.EAT.SAVE – Celebrate World Environmental Day June 5, 2013.