Business owners understand that food waste is not just an environmental concern but also a financial one. In addition to the ethical considerations of throwing away  food, it can also hurt a business’s bottom line. However, with the right onsite food waste solution, a business can significantly reduce waste, save money, and even help the environment. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top five best onsite food waste solutions for businesses and ranked the top five best onsite food waste solutions for businesses based on environmental impact, utility usage, labor input, space allocation, time required, cost, and other benefits.

Compost

Composting is a tried and true method for reducing food waste and producing nutrient-rich soil. It’s a natural process that uses bacteria and fungi to break down organic material, resulting in a rich soil amendment that can be used for gardening or landscaping. Composting is relatively easy to implement and can be done on a small or large scale. However, it does require a high amount of space and proper management to ensure that the process is working efficiently. It also makes sense if the compost activity is close and you can use the compost close to where it is created to avoid the emissions associated with transporting it.

Downside: Requires lots of care and usually cannot accept meat or dairy waste. Compost is prone to attracting insects and small animals.

Aerobic digester

An aerobic digester is a system that uses oxygen to break down organic material. It’s a closed system that creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, resulting in an output of grey water that can be sent down the drain. Aerobic digesters require minimal energy to operate and can process a wide range of food waste, including meat and dairy. 

Downside: For optimal usage, the machine should be continuously fed rather than have waste imputed in a single time. They may be more costly than setting up a compost facility.

Compactor

A compactor is a machine that compresses food waste, reducing its volume and making it easier to transport and dispose of. Compactors are relatively easy to use and require minimal maintenance. However, they can be energy-intensive and may not be suitable for all types of food waste.

Downside: They may be messy and if the waste isn’t collected frequently it will smell.

Dehydrator

A food dehydrator removes moisture from food waste, reducing its weight and volume. Dehydrated food waste can be used as animal feed or can be burned. Dehydrators are easy to use but require high amounts of energy and may not be suitable for all types of food waste.

Downside: Although manufacturers of these machines may call them compost, the output is dried waste and requires further processing to make compost.

Food grinder and pulpers

Food grinders and pulpers are machines that break down food waste into smaller pieces, making it easier to transport and dispose of. However, they cannot handle most types of food waste and are prone to breaking easily, resulting in high maintenance fees over time.

Downside: These machines are banned in many jurisdictions.

In conclusion, choosing the right onsite food waste solution for your business depends on a variety of factors, including the type and volume of food waste produced, space availability, and budget. Consider the environmental impact, utility usage, cost, and other benefits of each option before making a decision. With the right system in place, you can reduce waste, save money, improve your operations, and contribute to a more sustainable future.