Food Scrap Collection, Education, Engagement, & Signage The strategies and practices that were successfully implemented at Piazza Produce, Inc. to achieve compostable waste diversions from landfill or incineration.
Your waste Audit will determine the types of Recyclable & Compostable materials. • 1. Make a list of all of the items found in your waste stream. • 2. Determine the types of Recyclable materials. • 3. Determine their Upstream Source. • 4. Reduce waste where possible. • 5. Reuse items where possible. • 6. Identify Compostable materials. • 7. Design a waste diversion plan: identify local Recyclers and Compost sites & vendors. • 8. Pull the trigger!
The Three R’s + Compost • …the basics. • …it’s very a -peeling!
Waste Audit… • a 35-yard compactor • Identifying compost of commercial waste waste
Creating compost diversion collection systems and labeling…
Selection of solution-oriented Vendors/Partners… • GreenCyle of Indy • Cameron Farms
…and don’t forget the all -important hauler! • Ray’s Trash Services
Education, Training, & Behavior • 1. Develop a training program which outlines procedures and equipment required to achieve your organization’s desired goals and objectives. • 2. Explain to your employees/organization WHY you are implementing change to your organization. Include both the direct benefits as well as indirect benefits. Ask for input and ideas! • 3. Safety: use PPE if required. • 4. Use Compostable can liners that meet the ASTM D6400 Standards: http://www.astm.org/Standards/D6400.htm • 5. Note: Biodegradable bags are NOT the same as Compostable bags and are NOT accepted by Compost Sites. • 6. Sanitation & Cleanliness: Develop a sanitation program to maintain cleanliness of collection equipment/containers. • 7. Metrics: Track your compostable waste diversion (tons or pounds depending on your volumes). • 8. Provide feedback and provide incentives. Employee participation and engagement is vital to the success of your program.
Employee awareness…IRC Events, KIB Events, internal memos/emails. • Inspire & Motivate! • Build teamwork!
Be creative! Create a Green Team!
Employee recognition/awards. • It’s important to recognize and reward your top performers and employees.
Lessons learned… • Commercial Composting requires a permit from IDEM. • Presently, there are few options available for composting as the infrastructure has yet to mature by commercial waste haulers. • Great opportunities for start-ups such as Green with Indy! • Be adaptable in your programs and methods. You will likely hit some bumps in the road. • Be persistent and be willing to challenge the Status Quo! • Your employees are your most important asset! It’s important to recognize, incentivize, or to provide rewards. • Utilize all available resources such as the Indiana Food Scrap Initiative as well as the Indiana Recycling Coalition!
Most importantly, avoid the Naysayers! • Stinking thinking never leads to success!
Contact Information: Scott D. Lutocka Facilities & Sustainability Manager Piazza Produce, Inc. Phone: 317.522.2941 Cell: 317.997.0313 slutocka@piazzaproduce.com www.piazzaproduce.com
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