Why Your Business Should Compost and How To Get Started

Composting is the process of transforming organic waste, such as food scraps, paper, and yard trimmings, into a rich soil amendment that can be used for gardening, landscaping, or farming. The process offers many benefits for the environment, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water, and preventing soil erosion. But did you know that composting can also benefit your business?

Here are some reasons why your business should compost and how you can get started.

Why Your Business Should Compost

Many businesses are unaware of the positive impact of commercial composting. They may regularly throw away tons of food scraps, peels, bones, and other leftovers that could be put to good use. Here are a few benefits of commercial composting.

Reduce Landfill Contributions

Composting can reduce the amount of waste that your business sends to landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food waste accounts for about 24% of the municipal solid waste stream in the United States. In fact, food is estimated to be the largest form of waste material sent to landfills.

By diverting this waste from the landfill, you can help save resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Organic waste produces methane, a common greenhouse gas, when deposited in landfills.

Expand the Positive Image of Your Brand

By choosing to compost, you can enhance your brand image and customer loyalty. Your composting efforts can show your customers that you care about the environment and your community, which can boost your reputation and attract more customers.

According to a survey by Nielsen, 73% of global consumers said they would change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact, and 81% said they felt strongly that companies should help improve the environment. By composting, you can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Support Local Farmers

Commercial composting supports local farmers and gardeners. The ecological practice can provide a valuable resource for local farmers and gardeners, who can use compost to improve their soil quality and crop yields. Moreover, composting can create jobs and income for local composting facilities and service providers. By composting, you can support the local economy and food system.

Comply With Regulations

Composting can help your business comply with existing or upcoming regulations and incentives that aim to reduce organic waste disposal. For example, some states and cities have banned or taxed food waste disposal in landfills, or have mandated or incentivized composting for certain businesses. By composting, you can avoid fines and penalties, and take advantage of grants and rebates.

How to Start Composting

To take advantage of the benefits of composting, your business must first get started. Here are some steps you can take:

• Assess your waste stream. Conduct a waste audit to determine how much and what kind of organic waste your business generates, and how much you can divert for composting.
• Choose a composting method. Depending on your space, budget, and needs, you can choose from different composting methods, such as on-site composting, off-site composting, or vermicomposting (using worms). You can also hire a composting service provider to collect and process your organic waste.
• Educate your staff and customers. Train your staff on how to separate and handle organic waste for composting and provide clear signage and bins for collection. You can also inform your customers about your composting program and encourage them to participate.
• Monitor and evaluate your program. Track the amount of organic waste you divert for composting, and the cost savings and environmental benefits you achieve. You can also solicit feedback from your staff and customers on how to improve your program.

Composting is a win-win solution for your business and the environment. To learn more about commercial composting, contact Portland Disposal & Recycling, Inc. today. We can help you reduce your company’s carbon footprint.