Businesses that generate food waste have options for disposing of this waste other than sending it to the landfill.  Starting an organics recycling program is a viable option for giving your food waste another purpose, and being an environmental steward. 

There are three main organics recycling options for businesses:

Food-to-People Programs -- Sometimes food being thrown away is edible and fine for human consumption.  This waste material can serve as a resource for food rescue organizations and can provide hunger relief for those in need in the community.  Find more information on Food-to-People programs on the Hennepin County web site.

Food-to-Livestock Programs -- Food that is no longer safe for people to eat can still find a good use.  Food waste can be taken by a farmer to be processed into animal feed.  Find more information on Food-to-Livestock programs on the Hennepin County web site.

Organics Composting -- Food scraps and soiled paper can be collected and taken to a compost facility where it is composted and turned into a nutrient rich soil amendment.  For more information about organics composting, visit the Hennepin County web site.