MIGHT MASS COMPOSTING THREATEN FOOD BANK DONATIONS?

Two Washington state supermarket chains have invested in industrial-size machines that turn scraps—expired produce, moldy bread, and even raw meat trimmings—into a superrich plant fertilizer. The technology is taking off in Washington in particular because a local company manufactures the machines, called the Harvesters. Much like the vats of used grease that sit behind most restaurants and grocery stores, the Harvester initially stores food waste on-site, grinding up to 4,000 pounds of scraps per day into a “nutrient-rich liquid.” That material is then collected and refined into liquid fertilizer. Not only does the Harvester help deal with waste, but the fertilizer can be turned into profits for the grocers as well. Journalist and food waste expert Jonathan Bloom, author of American Wasteland, says he hopes the new machines don’t affect supermarkets’ commitment to donating food to local charities.

 

Source: National Foundation to End Senior Hunger, 1/22/14, Compost Threat