Reducing Food Waste in the Workplace: A Guide to Organics Collection

Food waste is a major global issue. Over 1.3 billion tonnes of food produced is wasted annually, releasing harmful methane and CO2. It's calculated that if food waste were a country, it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter, behind only China and the US. While food waste is a problem in our personal lives, it also affects workplaces worldwide. That's why it's imperative that we find ways to reduce food waste and properly dispose of it. Every office should collect organics, and here are four reasons why.

The Benefits of Collecting Organics

Landfill waste has a big impact on our carbon footprint. When food waste ends up in landfills, it decomposes anaerobically, causing the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. In New Zealand, it's estimated that 22% of all landfill emissions come from food waste. Reducing our methane emissions from landfills can have a huge impact on mitigating short-term climate change risks.

Another huge benefit of collecting food waste is that it can be broken down into nutrient-rich compost. This can help grow foods, regenerate soil, and act as a carbon sink, pulling CO2 from the atmosphere. Food waste can be traditionally composted or through vermiculture involving the use of worms.

Being a sustainable workplace can have long-term positive effects on your work culture and your public reputation. Collecting organics in the workplace is a really easy sustainable action you can take. It costs very little and can have a big impact.

Regulations and the Future of Food Waste

Some governments, like New Zealand, have proposed making food waste separation a requirement for businesses. Slovenia already has a law in place, and the EU is collectively looking into food waste regulations as well. No matter where your business is located, separating food waste now allows you to be ahead of the curve.

What to Compost

Most companies accept:

• Fruits and vegetable peels

• Coffee and loose leaf teas

• Bread and grain products

• Eggshells

• Beans and nuts

Items such as single-use chopsticks, corks, teabags, unbleached napkins and paper towels are often also able to be captured. Remember to check with your waste provider about their collection requirements.

Conclusion

Collecting organic materials in the workplace is a no-brainer. It's a simple and effective sustainable action you can take to reduce your workplace emissions, work toward zero waste, and stay ahead of regulations.