Dive Brief:

• The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank announced today that it will use FOR Solutions' Model-2000 composting system to help achieve the food bank's goal of zero food waste to landfill. The food bank takes in 23 million pounds of food annually, but 500,000 pounds cannot be distributed. The aerobic, in-vessel rotary drum composter will divert that waste from landfills and recycle it into compost in five days for use at local farms.  
• The food bank is ahead of a California law that requires certain businesses to recycle organic waste starting in April 2016. Its other sustainability initiatives include a 350 kW solar array, LED lighting retrofits, and a high-efficiency HVAC system. 
• The food bank and Morristown, NJ-based FOR said in a press release that the system will save money and protect the environment.

Dive Insight:

"The FOR Solutions composter fits in perfectly with our directive to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our operations," said James A. Floros, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank CEO. "We considered a number of food waste recycling options and selected the FOR Solutions composter for its simple design, ease of use and ability to process large amounts of waste within a small footprint, all of which will help us save money, protect the environment and focus on our core mission of providing food to those in need."

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency announced the first national food waste reduction goal, calling for a 50% reduction by 2030. The San Diego Food Bank is already working on that goal by aiming for zero food waste as soon as possible.

Food waste has been a growing issue in the United States, as approximately 31% — or 133 billion pounds — of overall food supply is wasted.  All that waste produces harmful methane and polluting leachates.

Food scrap composting efforts in Minneapolis, Boston and Maryland are also pushing toward zero waste and profits. New York City is also thinking big, with new composting rules set for hotel restaurants, food wholesalers, and sports arenas.