Food waste
Australians throw out three million tonnes of food every year – the equivalent of 145 kilograms for each and every one of us.
Australians waste $6 billion in food each year - enough to feed the entire nation for three weeks. Current research suggests the majority of food thrown away is fresh fruit and vegetables. Meat, fish, bread, dairy, rice and pasta are all in the ‘top’ most wasted foods.
Within industry, water efficiency, waste minimisation and recycling initiatives are also critical objectives for businesses looking to improve food production methods.
Over recent decades there has been a trend away from burning and burying waste in favour of recycling and reusing it. Since the 1970s, backyard incineration and open burning at landfills has been declining because of concern for the impact on human and environmental health. Less burning resulted in more landfilling, reducing the intake capability of existing landfills and creating demand for new ones.
Food production waste
The intensification of agriculture and increase in food production has led to an increase in the production of food co-products and wastes. While there is no fast solution to how we get rid of the vast amount of waste produced daily; there are plenty ways it can be controlled and managed.
Businesses are now adopting ways to change their manufacturing procedures to decrease waste, energy and water use, as well as explore ways of re-using waste or by-products.
Smarter use of by-products and improving the management of wastes that cannot be reused is now considered best practice in different sectors of the food industry.
Need advice?
Zero Waste SA
In South Australia, a dedicated Government agency – Zero Waste SA – was set up to cater with the growing need to increase waste avoidance and recycling.
Zero Waste SA has a state-wide waste strategy – which is also the first for South Australia – developed jointly by state and local government agencies, the waste management industry, business and the community, to ensure a healthy environment for South Australians, now and into the future.
Zero Waste SA is a collaborator with the SA Food Centre, and has the target of ‘reducing waste by 25% by 2014’ as outlined in South Australia’s Strategic Plan.
Environment Protection Authority
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is South Australia's primary environmental regulator, responsible for the protection of air and water quality, and the control of pollution, waste, noise and radiation.
Some business activities can be harmful to the environment; however, industry and the EPA are working together to minimise harm and reduce adverse effects on the environment by using effective systems for environmental management. Businesses small and large have not only realised significant economic gains as a result, but have taken a step in the right direction towards achieving a sustainable future for their enterprise and community.
Reuse, recycle, reduce
Zero Waste SA provides grants to local councils, the waste industry and business for a range of waste management projects including infrastructure, technology, systems and the resource efficiency assistance program (REAP).
It also assists industry develop markets for recovered resources and recycled materials, and encourage businesses to adopt lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste.
Trade waste
Trade waste is generally defined as the liquid waste from any industry, business, trade or manufacturing premises, other than domestic sewage, which is disposed to the sewer. SA Water oversees trade wastes in South Australia, covering premises ranging from kitchens in commercial buildings, laundromats, workshops, car washes, dentists, through to tanneries, breweries and abattoirs just to name a few.
How has the SA Food Centre helped others?
There are many examples of assistance offered to South Australian food businesses.
Case Study
Tarac Technologies
Foodbank SA
Flyer
Who can I contact?
The SA Food Centre is the first point of contact for food businesses and can provide advice about waste management.
- Page last modified: July 27, 2010, 12:54 pm
- Welcome URL is http://www.safoodcentre.com.au/
- This page: http://www.safoodcentre.com.au/processing_and_manufacturing/food_waste
