Nearly a million pounds of food waste arrives at the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill every day. Yet, 69 million meals are missed every year by people in our community. Think about the power our actions could have if we donated edible food instead of throwing it away. Additionally, when the food from our plate is wasted, we lose all of the resources - water, land and energy, it took to produce it.

To assist in preventing food waste, as well as recovering and recycling food in Franklin County, SWACO convened the Central Ohio Food Waste Initiative which has brought together more than 60 partner organization to move excess food as far up the food hierarchy as possible. That mean’s we’re working to prevent waste at its source, rescuing edible food in order to feed hungry people, recycling food scraps by feeding it to animals as well as composting it when necessary. All of these actions are more desirable than landfilling food scraps and waste. 

There are steps each of us can take to reduce waste. Visit our website dedicated to helping you reduce food waste at home and at your place of business. 

Together, these we’re making a collective impact to improve the quality of life for all Franklin County residents and protect the health and well-being of our environment. 

Have a food waste question? Drop us a line.