Human beings have been producing food waste since the very beginning of time. However, thousands of years ago, we were using all of the bones, hides, and whatever else, from our food! Not so in modern times.
At Sydney City Rubbish, we offer efficient commercial food waste removal and disposal services for businesses and events. Post-event rubbish removal and cleanup is important for every event, big or small, and we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll look at everything to do with food waste in Australia, and how we can help.
Looking for a fast rubbish removal quote? Click here.
What is food waste?
Harvard University defines food waste as food that is fit for consumption but consciously discarded at the retail or consumption phases. In the context of this article, food waste will refer to food that is still fit for consumption, as well as food that is too old, scraps like skins, shavings, and bones. Essentially any food product that is being thrown away can be called food waste.
How much food is wasted in Australia?
Clean Up Australia states that every single year, Australia collectively produces 7.3 million tonnes of food waste. On average, that’s a stunning 300kg of food waste per person, annually. What’s even more confronting is that about 70% of this food waste is still edible. This includes waste produced by homes, restaurants, commercial businesses, events, and more.
This is an enormous amount of waste, and only a minimal amount of these food scraps are composted and repurposed. The largest producing food waste category is households, with 2.46 million tonnes per year. However, it is worth noting that a large portion of food waste is also produced by supermarket chains, and most of that waste is still fine to eat.
How does food waste affect the environment?
Food waste can affect the environment in a number of ways.
First and foremost, much of this waste is food that could have or should have been eaten, but wasn’t. That means fruits and vegetables were harvested for eating, but then simply went to waste, which is a drain on natural resources like water and soil, as well as the use of farming equipment and so on. Animal products and meat that goes to waste causes the same issues on an even larger scale, thanks to the resources required to rear and farm cows, chickens, pigs and more.
Once food waste is disposed of, it causes other issues. Organic matter will decompose, but when doing so, it will produce carbon dioxide and methane, as well as other gases, and contribute to the greenhouse effect. It can also attract a range of animals and rodents, bringing with them other problems like disease and illness.
The bottom line is that we should all be aiming to reduce our food waste, whether that’s at home, at work, or at commercial events.
How to reduce food waste
So, how do you reduce food waste?
In an event or commercial setting, it’s important to measure food requirements properly. Getting the amount of food right in the planning stages ultimately reduces the amount of waste. If there is leftover food that is in good condition, then distributing it to take home, or partnering with a charity that takes leftovers to the homeless, promises a good outcome.
At home, being mindful of portions and what we’re buying at the supermarket will go a long way. It’s important to check dates on your food, so that you give yourself ample time to use the food before it goes off. Composting at home is a great way to turn your organic matter into a reusable material, and it’s great for the environment.
Food waste facts
Here are some interesting, important, and interesting facts about food waste.
– In 2018, Australia reduced food waste by $700 million. This shows that we are making progress in the fight against food waste, though we have a long way to go yet.
– One third of all the food produced for human consumption each year is wasted. That equates to roughly 1.3 billion tons, enough to feed 2 billion people.
– In industrialised countries, 40% of all food waste occurs at the retail stage.
– There is more than enough food produced around the world each year to comfortably feed the global population.
– The methane released by rotting foodstuffs in landfills around the world is 28x stronger than standard carbon dioxide emissions.
– Almost 10% of people around the world do not have enough food to eat… that’s more than 700 million people.
– Food waste is costing the Australian economy roughly $37 billion a year.
– 1.3 million Australian children lived in households that were deemed ‘food insecure’ in the past 12 months.
These facts show exactly why we need to be more resourceful with our food waste, and prevent the waste at the source.
Why is expert commercial food waste removal important in Sydney
Commercial food waste removal and post-event food waste removal are essential services. After all, food waste can’t be permitted to simply sit there and rot. That causes all kinds of other problems for businesses and people.
Fast rubbish removal
Getting rid of large amounts of food waste quickly is important. If food waste is left to rot, it becomes a problem. It can cause bad odours, attract insects and rodents, and bags of rubbish become an eyesore. It’s important for businesses and event planners to get rid of Sydney food waste fast.
Post-event rubbish removal
Looking for post-event rubbish removal in Sydney, or food waste removal for your event? We’ve got you covered. There’s no doubt a large amount of rubbish and food waste leftover, so call the experts. We’ll take your waste safely and swiftly.
Health and safety
If food waste is left too long and begins to rot, it can cause health issues to staff and guests. Along with this, large bags of food waste can be heavy and difficult to remove. This adds the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, like back, neck and knee problems.
Sydney food waste removal today
Are you looking for expert commercial food waste removal or post-event rubbish removal in Sydney? We’re the best in the business and we’re here to help.
