There is a very big difference in levels of food waste recycling when you compare rates achieved by food manufacturers and those of food retailers or wholesalers. The gap is close to forty percent based on a recent study done by the  Food Waste Reduction Alliance.

The study analyzed data from 2011 from thirteen food manufacturers and thirteen grocery retailers and wholesalers. The findings showed that food manufacturers donated or recycled almost ninety five percent of their food scraps or waste. Grocery stores and wholesalers diverted a little over fifty five percent of food scraps and waste generated. However, food manufacturers often generate more food waste overall while retailers often face legal barriers or geographical challenges to recycling or donating unwanted food.

Close to seventy five percent of all diverted food waste from manufacturers was used for animal feed, whereas grocery stores and wholesalers primarily donated food to social service organizations or composting locations.

Both industries combined were responsible for sending over four billion pounds of food waste to landfills or incinerators.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: If you’re in the food business, be it a grocery store, restaurant, catering enterprise, or food manufacturer, it pays to keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to compost food waste or donate uneaten food to local social service organizations helping the disadvantaged. Food waste is a very hot topic these days as more and more businesses want to reduce their waste disposal fees and new avenues to recycle and divert are coming available!