With the issue of climate change becoming undeniably apparent, it’s now more important than ever for us to recycle wherever possible. An excess of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is causing the earth to heat up and could have devastating repercussions for future generations. With this in mind, it’s crucial for us as individuals to do our bit for the good of the planet and recycling is arguably the most important measure to take. Recycling significantly reduces the amount of waste that’s polluting the environment and is an extremely important component of creating a more sustainable society.
We all need to recognise how our actions are affecting the planet as a whole, however, commercial businesses should be particularly mindful. A large business that employs numerous members of staff is undoubtedly going to produce more waste than the average household. As a business owner, you are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the waste your company produces is disposed of properly. Although many of us approach paper and cardboard recycling with diligence and care, there’s one area of waste disposal that often gets disregarded: food. In the UK alone, about 7 million tonnes of food is thrown away each year, and that’s just by households. Businesses such as cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels will undoubtedly generate a greater amount of food waste which must be disposed of correctly, in order to protect the environment.
Whether you’ve just started up your own restaurant or you’re the manager of a long-standing business in the hospitality industry, it’s worth knowing how your waste disposal methods are affecting the planet so you can act accordingly. Further to this, if you currently use a waste management service that’s limited in what they offer, it may be worth switching to a company that will go above and beyond the call of duty.
Here at Devon Contract Waste, we process, remove and recycle all different types of waste with the planet firmly in mind. Many of us try our best to be ‘green’, however, having the right information is crucial to making the right changes. With this in mind, we’ve created a guide to the ins and outs of proper food waste disposal as well as why it’s so important for thriving commercial businesses.
The importance of food waste recycling
It goes without saying that food is prepared in order to be eaten and enjoyed. However, when it comes to certain foods, waste is unavoidable. Foods such as eggs and bananas are all encased in a skin that can’t be eaten, and therefore must be disposed of- but how?
Whilst we’re all guilty of tossing a used tea bag in the bin without a second thought, this is not the most eco-friendly way to dispose of such items. More often than not, food waste that’s put in a regular bin will end up on a landfill site where it will rot and release methane: an extremely potent greenhouse gas. The constant rise in greenhouse gas emissions is impacting heavily on climate change so with this in mind, disposing of food waste mindfully is of the utmost importance.
Although it’s preferable to try and keep food wastage to a minimum, having a separate bin for food waste is a must. Not only will this stop your food waste products from contaminating other rubbish, but it will also allow for your food to be removed and recycled correctly. When food waste is collected, there are two ways in which it can be recycled:
Composting
The food waste products are broken down and combined with garden waste, creating a soil conditioner to help the growth of crops. Although composting can be a rather lengthy process, the benefits are undeniable.
Anaerobic digestion
This involves the use of microorganisms to break down food waste in an enclosed area. The methane emitted is then collected and used to create biogas which can help generate electricity or heat. With this in mind, food waste can be a great source of renewable energy.
As previously mentioned, mixing food waste with other recyclables can be extremely counterproductive. For example, food remnants on a cardboard box may render the box non-recyclable. It’s extremely important to separate food waste from other materials to ensure that each individual piece of rubbish can be recycled, without running the risk of ending up on a landfill site.
Here at Devon Contract Waste, we provide our customers with the appropriate waste receptacles required for their business. To find out more about our food waste recycling service, click here to visit our website.
Recycling in commercial businesses
If you own a business in the food and beverage industry, your food waste levels are likely to be high. Not only will you generate a lot of waste when preparing food, but any food left on customers’ plates also needs to be disposed of properly. This may seem like a lot of effort to go to, however, discarding food waste products correctly comes with numerous benefits, some of which we’ve listed below.
Better hygiene
Using suitable containers and bin bags to store and dispose of your food waste is likely to promote better standards of hygiene. Poor hygiene can deter customers and can even cause a business to be closed down, so it’s important to be diligent when it comes to waste disposal to ensure business continues to boom.
Financial gain
When it comes to waste disposal, businesses often have to pay landfill fees for anything that’s sent to a landfill site. In light of this, separating your food waste is likely to reduce the amount of rubbish sent to such sites, thereby saving you a pretty penny in the long run.
Doing your bit for the planet
As previously mentioned, food waste left to rot on landfill sites is contributing significantly to the issue of climate change. This may seem like a small part of a much bigger problem, but it’s a crucial part nonetheless. By making a concerted effort to properly dispose of food waste products, you can rest assured that your business is taking the necessary steps to protect the environment.
Glowing reputation
At a time when everyone is doing what they can to lead a ‘greener’ lifestyle, it’s important for your business to reflect the same values. A company that adopts a more sustainable approach is likely to appeal more to customers, so taking action to be more environmentally aware could be invaluable for any business.
How can a recycling centre help you?
Whilst there are many waste disposal services that claim to be the best in the business, a recycling centre is bound to provide a much more comprehensive service. As well as providing you with the appropriate bins, caddies and food waste bags to store your food waste correctly, a commercial waste recycling centre will be equipped to deal with the high levels of waste produced by a large business in the food and beverage industry.
Recycling centres are committed to disposing of waste in the most environmentally friendly manner possible to reduce carbon footprint and ultimately, save the planet for future generations. Recycling wherever possible has numerous benefits when it comes to the success of a business, and with the help of a reputable recycling centre, this has never been easier. Working with a recycling centre to manage your waste will not only be beneficial to the environment, it will also undoubtedly boost business.
At Devon Contract Waste, we maintain a very strict Zero to Landfill policy. We strive to dispose of commercial waste in the most eco-friendly way possible and we maintain high levels of professionalism at all times. From plastic and electrical recycling to clinical and food waste disposal, we leave no stone unturned when it comes to properly discarding commercial waste.
To find out more about our services in Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton and Cornwall, contact us today and put your business a cut above the rest with Devon Contract Waste.