Smart Ways To Recycle Your Food Scraps

Things you need to know about repurposing and recycling

Did you know annually, approximately 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted in Australia from farm to table? According to a study, it was found that food waste costs the economy an estimated $36.6 billion annually. This statistic averages out to be about $2,000 to $2,500 per household per year.

While many homes still continue to send their food waste to landfill, there are smarter ways to recycle your food scraps. The following will discuss some different ways you can recycle your food scraps.

The Problem With Food Waste

Food waste is a global issue that affects both the environment and economics. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, food waste generates 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. In addition, it has been estimated that 21% of the freshwater used globally is wasted as a result of food being thrown away. On the economic side, food waste costs countries a great deal of money.

Composting Food Waste

Composting is one of the most popular methods for recycling food scraps. It involves breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening or farming.  Composting not only helps to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill but also helps to improve soil health.

To get started with composting, all you need is an outdoor space and a few essential items: a compost bin or tumbler (available at garden stores), some shredded newspaper or cardboard, a shovel, and a compost activator (such as manure or grass clippings). Once your bin is set up, simply add layers of food scraps on top of the activator, and turn the compost bin or tumbler every few days to aerate it.

Feeding Animals With Food Waste

Rather than throwing food scraps away in the rubbish, why not use them to feed your pet animals? If you have chickens or other farm animals, it’s a great idea to save vegetable peels, fruit cores and other organic matter for them to eat. You can also offer some types of food waste to wild birds, such as bread crusts and small pieces of cooked meat.

Not only is this an environmentally friendly way of disposing of food scraps, but it also provides extra nutrients to your animals that they would otherwise be lacking in their diets.

Donate to Less Fortunate Families

If you have extra food that is still in good condition, consider donating it to less fortunate families. Many organisations accept donations of food and redistribute them to those in need. This can include fresh produce, canned goods, non-perishable, and other items.

Donating unused food helps to prevent it from going to landfill, where it will decompose into harmful greenhouse gases. It also helps to reduce the amount of money spent on purchasing new food for people who are unable to afford it.

Grow your Vegetables

If you have a small backyard or balcony, why not use your food scraps to grow some vegetables? All you need is a few pots and containers and some soil. You can plant the seeds from fruit and vegetable peels, such as avocados, tomatoes, pumpkins, and potatoes.

This is an inexpensive way to recycle food scraps that would otherwise go to landfill. Plus, it’s a great activity for the whole family!

Create Energy from Food Waste

Another way to recycle food scraps is to use them as a source of energy. Food waste can be converted into biogas, which is a renewable and clean form of energy that has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide an alternative fuel source.

Biogas can be produced in anaerobic digesters, where microorganisms break down organic matter without oxygen. The biogas produced from this process can then be used for a variety of purposes, such as cooking and heating homes.

Recycling Food Waste

Most importantly, food waste can also be recycled in a variety of ways. Many local authorities offer collection services for food waste, which is then taken to a composting facility or anaerobic digestion plant, where it is broken down into useful products such as fertiliser and biogas.

Food waste that cannot be recycled should always be disposed of responsibly. In some cities, there are special bins for food waste which can help to reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.

Work with Local Council

If you’re looking for more ways to recycle food waste in your area, get in touch with your local council. They may be able to provide information on composting initiatives or collection services that are available in the area.

Conclusion

Recycling your food waste doesn’t have to be complicated; there are many simple ways to do it. By following these tips, you can help reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfill. By doing that, you are also helping others in need. Next time you think of throwing away food scraps, remember that there are plenty of smarter ways to recycle them!