This US city is no longer sending food waste to landfills
![This US city is no longer sending food waste to landfills](https://gbrifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Food-waste.jpg)
The city of Austin, Texas, is quite serious about meeting its goal of zero waste by 2040. Austin has enforced a new law from October 1 under which the restaurants in the city will no longer be allowed to send their food waste to landfills.
Instead, the authorities have prescribed four methods of organic waste diversion-
- feeding hungry people by donating extra food
- sending it to be used for animal feed to local animal farms or ranches
- composting on-site or with a private service provider
- encouraging the development of customized solutions which diverts organic material from landfills.
The ordinance also requires that business owners/managers provide regular education for employees and post informational signage. Additionally, they must submit an online Organic Diversion Plan each year.
A 2015 Diversion Study conducted in Austin revealed that more than 85% of the city’s trash and recycling comes from commercial businesses, multifamily properties and food service establishments. Of the materials sent to landfills, 37% is organic and could have been donated or composted.
Read more here: https://www.environmentalleader.com/2018/10/no-foodscraps-to-landfill-says-new-austin-law/