Food Scrap Recovery 101 June 19, 2013 Prepared for: Florida Retail Federation
Food Waste in Landfill More food reaches landfills and incinerators than any other single material in municipal solid waste (MSW). In 2010 alone, more than 34 million tons of food waste was generated, with only three percent diverted from landfills and incinerators. 3,090,909 3,777,777 68,000,000,000 lbs
Industry Trends Industry leaders have recognized the importance of environmental responsibility Diverting food waste from landfill is paramount
EPA Hierarchy Food Scrap Recycling Focus on top two tiers Proficient Generators responsibility Next 3 tiers Recycling Six Sigma partnership Great debate Multiple technologies needed
Industry Facts Challenges: Methane Emissions Water Population Growth According to the EPA: Landfills are the 2 nd largest source of methane emissions Food Waste represents more than 25% of all freshwater consumed Landfills account for 23% of methane emissions, Methane is 20 times more damaging than CO 2
Pre vs Post Consumer Pre Consumer Fruits, Veggies, Breads Grocers Farmers Markets Salad/Fruit Processors Grape/Apple Orchards Peach farms Six Sigma Post Consumer Compostable Products Restaurants Manufacturers Dining Facilities Caterers Universities
About Viridiun Diverting 4 million pounds / week Operations 14 states New Jobs 60 (2010-13) Diverted Over 200,000 tons from landfill Community Foundation created to give back Products Readi-Soil www.readisoil.com Readi-Blend www.readiblend.com
Why Recycle Food? 1.Makes good business sense Some immediate benefits and some over time 2.Environmental Responsibility It is the RIGHT thing to do 3.Employee Morale Employees recognize they are part of something important Drives teamwork
Value Chain Market Served Waste Stream Recyclin g Process Industry Supported Product Market Served Grocery Organics Animal Feed Animal Beef Retail Industrial Electrical Electricity Compost Soil Amendment Crops
Animal Feed Beef Cattle Pre Consumer material Low disposal costs Highest and best Lower capital cost Seasonal Challenges Moisture Heat Volume Six Sigma
Anaerobic Digestion Anaerobic digestion - is a process where microorganisms break down organic materials, such as food scraps, manure, and sewage sludge, in the absence of oxygen. Recycling food waste through anaerobic digestion produces biogas and a soil amendment, two valuable products. Anaerobic Digestion Wide range of scale Financial Challenges High capital costs Low energy costs High tip fees Gov t subsidies Balanced diet Limited range of feedstock Low odor and leachate
Compost Vermicomposting Worms will eat most compostable items Sensitive to temperature, moisture, light, acidity Difficult to manage on large scale Aerated Turned Windrow Excellent for large volumes Works well in most climates Leachate collection Carbon requirements Odor/vector Control
Compost Aerated Static Pile Large static piles Air flow pipes, blowers, layers Less labor Bio filter In-Vessel Composting Small to mid range volume Higher capital costs Low odor and leachate Less land and labor
Outlet Summary Animal Feed Low - Capital cost Low - Cost/Ton Low - Accepted Material Anaerobic Digestion High - Capital cost High - Cost/Ton Medium - Accepted Material Compost Medium - Capital cost Medium - Cost/Ton High - Accepted Material
Collections Dependable Recycler Available in all 48 states Route density Scales Leaking Bin Cleaning GPS Bin Options Six Sigma
Emerging Industry Financial Typically cost neutral Partner with recycler Target cost areas Franchised High tip fee High volume food scrap Six Sigma Capitalize on others density Current recyclers Future recyclers Solid Waste Stops in seconds Stops in miles Transfer stations Multiple landfills (outlets) Mature Industry Food Scrap Recovery Stops in minutes Stops in miles No transfer stations Limited outlets Emerging Industry We would love to begin a food scrap recovery program, but it can not increase our solid waste budget 90% of companies.
Emerging Industry Store Operations In store Separate Scan De-package Container Plastic Totes Banana Boxes Cleanliness Six Sigma Payroll/employee time Odors & Vectors Bin options Outdoor Indoor Store execution
Engagement Process PILOT DISCOVERY ROLL-OUT Small number of locations Approach: Choose locations Notify locations Training Implementation Develop the ideal program Approach: Collaboration Process Mapping Data collection Analysis and Review Scale Implementation Approach Roll Out schedule Training Schedule Data Collection Improvement
Questions and Answers
Thank you Jeff Beatty Vice President of Sales 678.640.8825 M jeff.beatty@viridiun.com