When it comes to reducing your solid waste, you’ve likely already thought of ways to streamline recycling and reduce the amount of trash you produce. But what about your food scraps? What are you doing with those? As we all know, food waste is a big problem that is only getting bigger. In fact, if current trends continue, the cost of food waste will reach $300 billion by 2020.
That’s a lot of cash going down the drain. Thankfully, commercial kitchens have numerous options for disposing of excess food that won’t go straight to garbage can. However, not everyone has caught up just yet on how to optimize your advanced disposal system and achieve optimal results. Keep reading for some tips and tricks on how you can do the same!
What is an Advanced Disposal System?
An advanced disposal system is any commercial kitchen’s best friend when it comes to disposing of food waste. An AD system is essentially a food waste disposal system that uses water to clean and separate food waste from other materials such as grease and food solids.
In fact, more than half of commercial kitchens in the United States use an AD system. These systems make food waste Advanced Disposal System easier, more sanitary, and more cost-effective, which is why they are so popular. AD systems can take many forms.
Some facilities will use a food waste disposer. This type of system is installed underneath the kitchen sink and grinds food waste into fine particles that quickly break down and are carried away by water. Other restaurants and kitchens use a food waste grinder.
This system is similar to the disposer but is installed on the floor above the sink. Food waste grinders are more common in large kitchens that generate a lot of food waste.
What is a Basic Disposal System?
A basic disposal system is a waste disposal system that is designed to break down food scraps and other small items that are being discarded in the kitchen. It is connected to a one-way valve at the bottom of a sink, and it has a grinding mechanism at the base of the disposal system to break down whatever is being disposed of.
Basic disposal systems don’t have a very powerful motor, and they’re designed to be run for a few seconds at a time. Many basic disposal systems also have a switch that allows the system to be manually turned off.
Basic disposal systems aren’t capable of grinding up large items, and they aren’t compatible with a septic system.
The Benefits of an Advanced Disposal System
There are many different benefits to using an advanced disposal system. In addition to being able to grind up larger items, an advanced disposal system also eliminates the need for a septic tank. This is because the waste is completely broken down and processed through the system.
Advanced disposal systems are much more powerful than basic disposal systems, and they’re therefore able to grind up far larger items. They can grind up items like small bones and coffee grounds, which are items that are often difficult to dispose of in basic systems.
Advanced disposal systems are also far less likely to jam than basic disposal systems, which makes them easier to use. They’re also much less likely to create a foul odor, because they’re designed to break down waste efficiently, thereby eliminating the risk of clogs and jams.
Composting
Composting is essentially nature’s way of recycling food waste. It is a process that involves decomposing organic material such as food scraps and yard waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. This process can be achieved through either a batch process or continuous composting.
Batch composting is the process of collecting a batch of food scraps and letting them decompose at a slower rate. Continuous composting, on the other hand, is a faster process where food waste is composted in a rotating drum or an enclosed vessel that allows air to circulate freely.
The type of compost system you choose will depend on your specific needs and the amount of food scraps you produce. Composting your food scraps can not only reduce your waste production to a significant degree, but it can also increase your soil quality and plant health thanks to its high nitrogen content.
It can also be used to produce vermicompost, which can be used as fertilizer or as a natural pesticide. Composting is also environmentally friendly because it does not involve the burning or burying of organic material.
Food-Recovery Services
Many cities and municipalities around the world have implemented food-recovery services that help divert food scraps from landfills by using Advanced Disposal System.
Food-recovery services are a great way to reduce your food waste and prevent it from going straight to the landfill.
There are many ways to collect food scraps, including using compost bins, special food scrap containers, or even plastic bags. It is important to keep in mind that not all food scraps are suitable for composting.
You should always check with your local government or composting facility before collecting food scraps to ensure that you are doing it correctly.
Why Should You Get an Advanced Disposal System?
If you’re in the market for a new disposal system, then you might be wondering whether you should choose a basic disposal system or an advanced disposal system. The fact is that advanced disposal systems are superior to basic systems in just about every way. Advanced disposal systems are easier to use and less likely to jam, which makes them simpler to clean and maintain.
They’re also more powerful and can break down a wider range of items. And, most importantly, advanced disposal systems are easier on the environment. Advanced disposal systems require fewer chemical treatments and are compatible with a septic system. All things considered, it’s clear that advanced disposal systems are the best option for any home.
Pro tip: Don’t throw away your food waste!
Don’t just throw your food waste away! Food scraps, especially fruits and vegetables, can actually serve as excellent feedstock for your next batches of beer, wine, and spirits. And if you run a bakery, you can actually use your stale bread and other baked goods to create a nutrient-rich soil for your indoor plants. If you run a restaurant, you can use your food scraps to feed your worms, which then serve as fertilizer for your indoor garden. You can also collect your food scraps in a compost bin, either at home or in the kitchen. Composting is a great way to reduce your food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Rebuilding & Repurposing
Another great way to reduce your waste is by rebuilding and repurposing materials that would otherwise be thrown away. For example, you can use your old cardboard boxes and wooden pallets to create wooden planters, which are a great way to spruce up your restaurant.
Another common way of rebuilding and repurposing in commercial kitchens is to use broken or chipped cookware as decoration. If you have a deli or bakery, you can rebuild your old wooden cutting boards by sanding them and using them as serving boards or decorative pieces. You can also repurpose your paper towels and napkins by weaving them together to make table runners or coasters.
Conclusion
When it comes to reducing your waste, remember that every little bit helps! That means that even if you’re not able to compost or use food-recovery services, there are still plenty of ways to reduce your waste and turn your kitchen into a more sustainable space. One easy way to do this is by reducing your portion sizes. By doing this, you will also be able to reduce the amount of food you throw away.
There are plenty of other ways to reduce your waste in the kitchen. Make sure you are using your kitchen in the most efficient way possible. And lastly, don’t forget to practice good kitchen hygiene. By minimizing the amount of waste you produce and being cognizant of the environmental impact of your kitchen, you can go a long way to making your kitchen more sustainable.
