The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and NHLRA have partnered to assist the hospitality industry in reducing energy and water use as well as reducing waste. One waste that is often overlooked is food waste. According to The US Environmental Protection Agency, in 2010, more than 34 million tons of food waste was generated, nation-wide. Less than three percent of that was recovered, making it the single largest component in landfills and incinerators. When food waste ends up in a landfill, it quickly rots and generates methane - a potent greenhouse gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Why send this valuable resource to a landfill or incinerator when it can be turned into a product that will enhance soils and generate income for local farmers?

EcoMovement, a zero-waste company out of Portsmouth, is expanding its composting program to include food service facilities located within 25 miles of Concord. They will offer staff training, scheduled pick-ups and highlight facilities' efforts through Facebook and EcoMovement's website. The food scraps will be taken to a local farm, turned into rich compost and sold at the farm.

There are common myths that surround saving food scraps for compost. The one question that is most often asked is "Won't the food scraps generate an odor and attract rodents and pests?" It's actually the opposite when managed properly. Normally, the food waste ends up in the dumpster and is subject to the waste haulers schedule. With this successful composting collection program, food waste is stored in closeable 64 gallon containers and picked up on a regular schedule based on the amount generated by each individual facility. Staff is trained on how to determine what is compostable and how to properly manage the waste.

The program has been very successful in the seacoast area with nearly 100 clients participating. For more information on how to become part of this movement to turn food waste into a product that benefits the environment contact Jonathan Gregory at 603-568-3838 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Melissa Zych, Pollution Prevention Program – NHDES at 603-271-6460 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .