"Innovations" Case Studies

Food Waste Recovery: A Model for Local Government Recycling and Waste Reduction

Food discards make up 10 percent by weight of the total municipal waste stream and can be a higher portion of commercial sector wastes. In 1997, of the 21.9 million tons of food waste generated in the United States, only 2.6 percent was recovered. In California, 16 percent of wastes disposed consist of food. This represents almost 5.6 million tons per year. Restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, schools, produce markets, hospitals, prisons, and wholesalers are all large generators of food. Farmers, renderers, and food banks have long collected food discarded by businesses and institutions.

In the last decade, new initiatives have proven successful in recovering more food and converting it into valuable end uses. Curbside collection of segregated organics is growing in popularity. Most of these programs focus on commercial and institutional sectors, but some are also tapping food recovery from the residential sector. This model study profiles the food recovery efforts taking place in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Santa Cruz, Calif. Each jurisdiction embraces a unique approach to facilitating food recovery.

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Program Characteristics
• Costs, Economics, and Benefits
• Local Government, Funding, and Tips
• Case Studies
  • San Francisco Commercial Food and Organics Recycling
  • Berkeley Commercial Food Scraps Collection Program
  • Santa Cruz County Provides Seed Money for Private Initiatives
• For More Information

Summary of this publication | Download this publication

Credits and Disclaimer

Brenda Platt of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (Washington, D.C.) prepared this study pursuant to contract IWM-C8028 ($198,633, included other services) with the University of California at Santa Cruz for a series of 24 studies and summaries.

The statements and conclusions in this case study are those of the contractor and not necessarily those of CalRecycle, its employees, or the State of California. In addition, the data in this report was provided by local sources but not independently verified. The State and its contractors make no warranty, express or implied, and assume no liability for the information contained in this text. Any mention of commercial products, companies or processes shall not be construed as an endorsement.

Innovations Home