Home Publisher's Point of View Decomposition Systems Can Simplify Food Waste Elimination Processes

Decomposition Systems Can Simplify Food Waste Elimination Processes

1354
0
SHARE

I have always had an interest in composting—even when I was a child. What fruit and vegetable scraps I generate today are placed in a compost pile just outside my home. Every now and then, I add soil, relocate earthworms that I find to the pile, and turn everything over a few times. In a tiny way, I am helping to reduce the flow of food waste to the local landfill. If you happen to run a full-service hotel with a restaurant, bar and meeting space, food waste is obviously not so easy to manage.

This past week I wrote and posted an article about food waste decomposition systems. I highly recommend reading the article. If your facility generates a lot of food waste, these machines are just what you need. They can dramatically reduce the volume of waste that goes to your dumpster, and eventually the landfill, by as much as 90 percent or more. Placed in the kitchen or a nearby area, these stainless steel machines use either heat or a combination of enzymes and water to “digest” food waste down to a soil amendment, or particles that can be sent safely down the drain.

I first came across an example of one of these systems two years ago while attending the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York City. I was impressed then and still am today. In fact these machines are getting better—thanks to the suggestions of those hoteliers who were the first to try them. How much do these systems cost? One vendor told me his company’s machine that handles up to 250 pounds a batch costs $27,000; one that handles up to 600 pounds, $65,000. Admittedly, I did not ask every vendor about pricing, but several agreed that one can expect to see a return on one’s investment in three to five years. For those not interested in purchasing a system, leasing is an option. In fact, it may make more sense to lease. That way, you can more quickly move to more advanced systems as they become available.

Where can you find more information about decomposition systems? Check out the following vendors’ websites: Somat Company; BioHitech America, Inc.; Action Comax Environmental Inc.; Waste to Water Environmental, LLC; and Green Key Environmental Solutions.

By never allowing food waste to reach your loading dock, you will significantly reduce your costs while doing the environment a favor. A perfect combination.

Green Lodging News Welcomes Two New Directory Partners

Green Lodging News welcomes Environmental Specialty Products and Eco Drain Dragon as Green Product & Service Directory partners. Environmental Specialty Products has been manufacturing leisure and park furniture made from recycled plastic lumber for more than 16 years. The leisure furniture has been designed to fit into any backyard setting, yet it has the strength and durability to also meet the needs of the commercial environment. The park series includes sturdy recycling and waste containers, as well as park benches and picnic tables. Other product types available include rockers, gliders, tables, chairs and planters. Call (951) 371-5792, e-mail jchew@sbcglobal.net, or go to www.environmentalspecialtyproducts.com.

Eco Drain Dragon offers a chemical-free way to unclog drains. The company’s product attaches to a wet vacuum and instantly sucks the clog into it. Unlike chemicals, it produces no heat or gases to irritate the skin, eyes or lungs. Eco Drain Dragon works quickly—typically less than a minute—and produces no messy splash. For additional information, call (717) 248-0600, e-mail ferguson@pa.net, or go to www.ecodraindragon.com.

Green Lodging News Advertising

If you are a supplier selling green products, be sure to call me at (440) 243-2055 to discuss your advertising plans for the fall and winter. A 2009 media kit is now available by request or by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.

Green Lodging News Blog

Be sure to bookmark the Green Lodging News Blog in your browser. The address for the blog is http://greenlodgingnews.blogspot.com. More importantly, participate with your comments.

As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.

LEAVE A REPLY