Did you know restaurants produce 22 to 33 billion tons of waste annually? This staggering amount of waste increases greenhouse gas emissions, contaminates soil and water, and depletes natural resources while occupying valuable land. With the rise of landfills and waste growing each year, it’s imperative to prioritize sustainable products.
With this in mind, let’s dive into why restaurant composting is important and how a restaurant owner can begin composting.
What Is Composting?
You’ve probably heard of composting - the process of breaking down waste to provide nutrient-rich soil. Composting is a sustainable way to recycle waste such as food scraps, flowers, and plants.
What Is Restaurant Composting?
So, what does that mean in terms of restaurants? Restaurant composting refers to the practice of collecting waste from a restaurant in a compost-safe bin to be broken down into compost. This waste can be sent to a facility, or used by the restaurant for a farm-to-table approach.
What common restaurant materials can be composted?
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Grains and bread
- Eggshells
- Coffee and tea
- Herbs and spices
- Compostable cutlery, napkins, cups, and takeout packaging
Avoid composting materials such as dairy, meat and fish, grease and fats, and large amounts of processed foods.
What are the benefits of restaurant composting?
Reduce Waste and Increase Sustainability: Incorporating composting into your restaurant is a great way to reduce environmental impact.
Cut Costs: Assuming that composting would be costly to your business is a common misconception. Composting at your restaurant can actually reduce costs by lowering your waste disposal cost! A study by Champions 12.3 found that for every dollar invested into a food waste reduction program, businesses saved seven dollars.
Create a Community: Composting is a great way for customers to feel good about their decision to dine with your restaurant. Choosing to compost can help build a strong, loyal community by giving your audience an establishment that aligns with their values. In fact, more than 50% of Americans say that they’re more likely to visit restaurants that utilize eco-friendly practices.
How can I incorporate composting into my restaurant?
- Find a local compost container. Tip: FindAComposter.com is a great resource when searching for composters in North America. Place compost bins both in your kitchen for scraps, as well as with your bins for customers if your restaurant is to-go style.
- Ensure that your food packaging products are compost-safe. Verify with your distributor or search for a food packaging company that offers compostable products.
- Add newspaper to the bottom of your bin. The newspaper helps to conceal any negative odor that comes with composting and absorbs moisture.
- Turn your compost bin every few weeks. You’ll want to turn the material in the center to mix up your materials and add oxygen.
- Educate your staff on composting. Let them know the benefits of composting as well as the dos and don’ts when it comes to composting. Educating your staff will help them get excited about composting, as well as encourage your customers to compost.
