In this article, we are going to discuss some benefits of recycling food waste. As we all know, recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. The recovery of energy from waste materials is often a part of this concept. Food waste is recyclable as well. As a result of breaking food waste, we get methane. Methane is collected and can be converted. As we all know, we can convert methane to biogas. Most countries are already following this method. Well, there are countless benefits of recycling food waste and let’s discuss a few.

1. Recycling food waste and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases

Greenhouse gas emission from farming and transporting organic materials is a huge concern nowadays. Food production is responsible for 26% of gas emissions and food waste is responsible for 24% of the same figure. Recycling is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy consumption. Microorganisms are breaking down food waste when there is no oxygen and it happens in a closed system. And breaking it down gives out Methane. And we collect the Methane and convert it into biogas to generate electricity and to heat or, transport fuels. That is how recycling is helping to reduce gas emissions and global warming. Read more here.

2. Recycling food waste saves money

Spending less is proportional to wasting less. So whatever steps you take will reduce food waste and definitely save you some money. This not only means less wasted product but means emptier dumpsters as well. We can implement a successful food recycling program cost neutrally. Read more on how recycling food waste saves money here.

3. Avoid facing fines for food waste

In the cities and the states where food waste is outlawed effectively, compliance is an issue. Normally these cities have compulsory composting or recycling ordinances. If you do not meet them you are inviting trouble and will have to pay a hefty amount as a fine. But you can encourage proper recycling of food waste in your company and not get into unnecessary trouble. Read more about the fines here.

 4. Save water by reducing food waste

The wasted amount of food is proportional to the wasted amount of water. Approximately around 45 trillion gallons of water are lost each year because of all of the food that’s thrown out around the world. So if we reduce food waste and recycle food, it will save water as well. Check Water Footprint Calculator.

5. Build a good reputation in the community and conduct food donation programs

As per the estimations, 141 trillion is the worth of calories of food wasted in the USA per year. Suppose a person intakes 2000 calories per day and according to the stats, this wasted food can feed 530,136 people for an entire year. But unfortunately, most people are not aware of this. Take the initial steps and try to make a difference. As of 2014 48.1 million Americans were food insecure. But the disheartening fact is that 15.3 million out of this number were children.           

Conclusion for the recycling food waste

Recycling food waste should be a major concern of society and there is no doubt about it. Above all, there are numerous social, environmental, and financial benefits to doing so. Be it grocers, restaurants, food manufacturers or anyone else in the supply chain can start to make a difference. The best part is, there are already many active groups available who are working hard to recycle and reduce food waste as much as possible all around the world. Join them and let’s make the world a better place yet again.

Find more interesting articles on food waste, suistainable agriculture or farming here.