Philadelphia City Council recently approved a bill to encourage restaurants to compost food waste rather than grind it through a disposal unit.
The bill would cut in half the dumpster permit fee for units that will be used for composting purposes. This will prevent the waste from sitting in a regular dumpster until disposal, and eventually winding up in a landfill. According to Councilman Denny O’Brien, who sponsored the bill, the composting dumpsters will be good for neighbors of the restaurant. He said there will be fewer odors, less waste, and less frequent dumpster pickups. Also, the measure should save restaurant owners and the city some money. The bill now goes to the mayor, and it’s expected he’ll sign it.
You can read more about the story here.
Food Waste in Philadelphia
It’s estimated that the city of Philadelphia generates 150,000 tons of food waste every year. When that waste rots in the landfill, it becomes a significant source of methane. In fact, landfills are responsible for 20% of all methane emissions. Composted food waste is used to improve soil health and drought resistance.
What do you think, Philadelphians? Are you looking forward to fewer odors and insects surrounding restaurants? How do you feel about reducing food waste? Sound off in the comments below!