GUIDELINES FOR FOOD WASTE DISPOSAL

Abstract

There are many alternatives when it comes to remediation of food waste. In recent years focus has been shifting towards maximizing the energy potential of food waste. The purpose of this study was to assess various food waste effluents generated by a food waste disposer (FWD) for impact on COD, nitrate, and phosphorous. Another goal was to review findings from past studies and compare current food waste diversion practices by method, energy yield potential, and greenhouse gas emissions. Food waste diversion alternatives assessed include landfilling & incineration, food waste disposers, and composting. Food wastes were collected and characterized based on availability and the USDA?s MyPlate food grouping system. A control sample of tap water and 39 food waste samples were processed individually through a FWD. The effluent produced by each sample was collected and tested separately using Hach testing kits for COD, nitrate, and phosphorous. In analysis of COD test results it was concluded foods from the Grains Group and the Dairy Group caused the greatest concentration increases. This was also true for nitrate testing. It was also found the Grains Group showed the highest deviation for COD testing. It should be noted, however, some foods within the Grains Group caused an observed decrease in concentration in COD testing. Foods from the Dairy Group caused a significantly higher increase in phosphorous concentration than foods from any other group. However, the Dairy Group showed the highest deviation for both nitrate and phosphorous testing.