Trash is everywhere you go. From our sidewalks to our most remote oceans our planet is being destroyed by waste. With more than 2.6 trillion pounds of trash expected to be generated this year we are running out of places to put it. A single restaurant can generate upwards to 150,000 pounds of trash in just one year. As a restaurant owner, this number can be very alarming to see. In addition to its environmental effects comes the monetary cost of paying to haul that waste and maintain compactors and pipes it runs through. With some changes to your business, you can help cut down on the amount of waste generated and save money at the time.
Conduct a Waste Audit
A waste audit is a great way to see where your restaurant stands as far as waste production. By creating a baseline as a business you can plan out your next step. An audit can be a truly eye opening experiencing and can provide a better understanding on the efficiency of your company. Audits can be done by professionals, or with an in-home staff using a DIY form such as this one provided by Sustainable Foodservice. Conducting an audit can put your business on the right track to reducing waste.
Step Up Your Recycling
Recycling is always a great way to cut down on waste, especially when used by both staff and customers. By placing recycling bins in your storefront and the kitchen it can create an environment where recycling is easy. This can be as simple has having a bottle and can bin next to the garbage. Not only does this cut down on waste, but also pays off with green-minded customers. Most areas have a curbside recycling services, making it even easier to keep your trash separated. Recycling is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your restaurants waste amount.
Track Food Waste
Have employees track food waste by marking down which dishes come with more than half the plate left. Collect data each day and analyze. Take note and see how you can make a difference. Maybe cutting down on portion sizes or eliminating less popular items on the menu might be necessary. Keeping a track can help be more cost efficient when comes to purchasing produce and also help cut down on the amount of food that is being thrown out.
Recycle Used Oil
Fryer oil and cooking grease is a commodity to most companies. Many services are willing to remove oil efficiently. It is important to keep track of your oil for a fresher product. In addition, it is important to make sure that you are disposing the product properly. Many grease removal companies will pay to remove your waste vegetable oil or WVO for short. Using specialized container with locks it is guaranteed that your oil is safe. When it comes to disposing WVO leave it to an expert to avoid damaging your city’s treatment plants.
Trash has become a part of our everyday lives. Even though restaurants do a great job providing consumers they still generate a lot of waste that can be detrimental to the environment and the businesses earnings as well. The good part is that we can still make a difference. With following some of these easy steps, your business can leave behind a better carbon footprint. If you are interesting in waste oil recycling, contact the experts at Food Grease Trappers. We are experts who are passionate about providing high quality service to local businesses. Contact us today and see how you can reduce your waste. Taking small steps to reduce restaurant waste can pay huge dividends in the future, in both a better world and better bottom line.
