PACKAGED FOOD WASTE DISPOSAL

Packaged food waste encompasses all food items that are no longer consumable and are disposed of, along with their packaging materials, which can include plastic, cardboard, metal, and glass.

Causes of Waste

• Expiration: Food products that surpass their expiration or best-before dates.

• Spoilage: Items that spoil before they can be consumed due to improper storage or handling.

• Overproduction: Excess food produced that goes unsold or uneaten.

• Consumer Behavior: Buying more than needed, leading to waste at home.

Types of Packaging

• Plastic: Commonly used for items like snacks, drinks, and frozen foods.

• Cardboard: Often used for cereals, pasta, and dry goods.

• Glass: Used for sauces, canned goods, and beverages.

• Metal: Used for canned foods and some beverages.

WHICH PACKAGED FOOD WE ACCEPT

• Perishable food (bulk and packaged)

• Expired, distressed or otherwise unsaleable food products

• Packaged foods (glass, cans, plastic packaged)

• Recalled Products

• Canned food, vegetables, wrapped food, Cardboard packed food

LIQUID WASTE DISPOSAL

Liquid waste disposal in food waste management involves the proper handling and treatment of liquids that are either part of or result from food waste. This process is essential to ensure environmental protection, public health, and regulatory compliance

High Moisture Content in Food

• Many food items, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, have naturally high water content. As these foods decompose, they release liquid.

Decomposition

• As food waste breaks down, microbial activity (bacteria, fungi) accelerates, leading to the breakdown of cells and tissues. This process releases moisture trapped in the food, leading to liquid waste.

Improper Storage or Handling

• Storing food waste in warm or humid conditions can speed up the decomposition process. This leads to more rapid breakdown and liquid leakage.

• Leaky containers or bags can allow liquids to escape more easily, leading to liquid waste.

Frozen Food Thawing

• When frozen food waste is discarded, as it thaws, it releases liquid as the ice melts, adding to liquid waste.

Types of Liquid Waste in Food Waste We Accept

• Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG): Common in food service industries and home kitchens. These materials can clog sewage systems if disposed of improperly.

• Wastewater from Cleaning and Processing: This includes water used to clean food products, equipment, and facilities.

• Juices from Food Decomposition: Liquids that naturally occur when organic food waste breaks down.

• Dairy and Beverage Waste: Waste from milk, juices, sodas, or other liquids that may come from expired or spoiled products.

ORGANIC & ROTTING FOOD WASTE

Organic and rotting food waste refers to the biodegradable matter that is discarded from households, restaurants, and other food sources. This waste includes leftover food, fruit and vegetable peels, bread, meat, dairy products, and other food materials that undergo decomposition over time due to natural processes.

Types of Organic and Rotting Food We Accept

• Fruits, Vegetables

• Peelings, cores, seeds, stems, and leaves from preparation

• spoiled, moldy, or overripe fruits and vegetables, like rotten apples, browning bananas, mushy tomatoes, etc.

• Bread, pasta, rice, and other grain-based foods.

• Stale or moldy bread, spoiled cooked rice or pasta, and soggy cereal.

• Bones, skin, and trimmings from raw or cooked meat.

• Spoiled meat, fish, or poultry left too long in the fridge or at room temperature.

• Cheese rinds, yogurt, or sour cream leftovers.

• Sour or curdled milk, moldy cheese, or spoiled yogurt.