Page 381 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

POTENTIAL TECHNOLOGIES AND STRATEGIES 359

frequently offer free pickup and provide reusable containers to donors. Because
these donations recycle food and help feed people in need of assistance, this option
should be considered before looking at other alternatives. Smaller food collection
organizations are also appropriate. For a list of contact information and needs of
small food collection organizations check the yellow pages under “food pantries”
or “shelters.”
2 Source reduction—Source reduction, including reuse, can help reduce waste dis-
posal and handling costs, because it avoids the costs of recycling, municipal com-
posting, landfilling, and combustion. Source reduction also conserves resources and
reduces pollution, including greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
By doing a careful audit of the waste stream a business can determine the percent-
age of food and organic wastes that are present in their trash. Once the potential for
waste reduction is established a business can reduce the quantity of food they buy,
purchase precut foods, or explore the possibilities of portion control at restaurants.
3 Animal feed—Recovering food discards as animal feed is not new. In many areas
hog farmers have traditionally relied on food discards to feed their livestock.
Farmers may provide storage containers and free or low-cost pickup service. Coffee
grounds and foods with high salt content are not usually accepted, because they can
be harmful to livestock. At least one company is using technology to convert food
discards into a high-quality, dry, pelletized animal feed.
4 Rendering—Liquid fats and solid meat products can be used as raw materials in the
rendering industry, which converts them into animal food, cosmetics, soap, and
other products. Many companies will provide storage barrels and free pickup serv-
ice. Check the yellow pages for “rendering” or “grease trap.”
5 Composting—Composting can be done both on- and off-site. The availability of
land space, haulers, and/or end users in your area will help you decide which option
is best for you. For on-site composting, companies should consider feed stocks, siting,
and operational issues. Composting can take many forms:
■ Un-aerated static pile composting—Organic discards are piled and mixed with
a bulking material. This method is best suited for small operations; it cannot
accommodate meat or grease.
■ Aerated windrow/pile composting—Organics are formed into rows or long
piles and aerated either passively or mechanically. This method can accom-
modate large quantities of organics. It cannot accommodate large amounts of
meat or grease.
■ In-vessel composting—Composting that occurs in a vessel or enclosed in a
building that has temperature- and moisture-controlled systems. They come in
a variety of sizes and have some type of mechanical mixing or aerating sys-
tem. In-vessel composting can process larger quantities in a relatively small
area more quickly than windrow composting and can accommodate animal
products.
■ Vermi composting—Worms (usually red worms) break down organic materials
into a high-value compost (worm castings). This method is faster than windrow
or in-vessel composting and produces high-quality compost. Animal products or
grease cannot be composted using this method.