Cruises are known for their exotic buffets, delicious dining options, and endless supply of food. But with so much food being prepared, have you ever wondered what happens to all the leftovers?

Unfortunately, a significant amount of it goes to waste. So, what really happens to all the leftover food on a cruise ship?

Traditionally, the leftover food on a cruise ship is ground by food pulpers, then pulverized in a paste or slurry to be stored until the ship reaches land. Once the waste arrives on land, it is transported to a facility for processing. These facilities could be a landfill or an anaerobic digestion plant.

What can cruise ships do about their food waste? 

The LFC biodigester is an onsite solution that digests the food waste onboard the ship, leaving behind grey water that can be safely discharged at sea. Alternatively, the waste water can be processed in the ship’s STP (sewage treatment plant) system. The LFC biodigester is a machine that uses natural microorganisms to break down organic material, resulting in a liquid that can be easily discharged. It’s a great solution for cruise ships because it eliminates the need to transport the waste off the ship, reducing the carbon footprint associated with waste disposal.

Furthermore, the LFC biodigester has low utility usage and different models can process up to 6000 kg (13,200 lb) of waste per day, making it a practical and efficient solution for cruise ships. The machines can handle a wide variety of food waste, including meat and dairy products, making it a versatile solution for onboard food waste management.

In conclusion, the traditional method of disposing of leftover food on a cruise ship has significant drawbacks. Transporting the waste consumes more fossil fuels than it can produce, and processing facilities may not always be available in every port. 

The LFC biodigester is an onsite solution that has low utility usage and digests the food waste onboard the ship, leaving behind grey water which can be filtered in the ship’s STP system. It’s a practical and efficient solution for cruise ships, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.