GUELPH – Guelph-Wellington’s Commercial Food Waste Diversion Collective, an initiative aimed at combatting food waste and promoting food rescue efforts in the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors – the largest producers of food waste – is calling on businesses and institutions within the county to embrace waste diversion.
“With an estimated 22 million tonnes of food waste generated annually in Canada within food processing, distribution, and service/retail chains, the need for concerted action has never been more apparent,” stated collective manager Katie Motta in a March 13 press release.
But implementing food waste diversion practices can be complicated; streamlining food waste diversion makes for an effortless process that can lead to more food waste remaining out of landfills.
“In Guelph-Wellington, our collective efforts have already recovered over $214,800 worth of food,” Motta stated.
“This demonstrates the economic viability and sustainability of the Commercial Food Waste Diversion Collective’s approach: it’s circular innovation with global scalability,” she added.
Businesses and institutions can trial the program for costs comparable to those of private haulers and landfill disposal. Mimicking the regional collection model of residential organics programs, participants work together to reduce the cost of collection, redirect edible food and food waste from landfills, and reduce GHG emissions.
Organic waste is turned into compost for gardens and local farms to improve soil health. Participating businesses are also offered free pickup of surplus edible food donations, sent to local charities supporting community members experiencing food insecurity.
“In a country where one in six face food insecurity, the urgency to address food waste cannot be overstated,” Motta stated.
“Even within our community, access to nutritious food is a struggle. Participants in our program have already made significant strides towards addressing this, diverting more than 62,000 meals from landfill during 2021-23 alone.”
Businesses and institutions interested in reducing food waste, advancing sustainability goals and strengthening their brand reputation are invited to join Guelph-Wellington’s Commercial Food Waste Diversion Collective.
For more information on how to trial the program, visit circularinnovation.ca/guelphwellingtonpilot or email project coordinator Maggie Bain at maggie@circularinnovation.ca.
