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Diverting food organics from landfill in the Hobart City Council

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posted on 2023-05-26, 22:20 authored by Bonange, G
Compostable organics represent 62% of all waste sent to landfill in Australia and significantly contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector. With the challenge of climate change and the scarcity of landfill space, the diversion and recovery of the compostable organics waste stream is increasingly important. Food organics is the dominant component of the compostable organics waste stream and the major source of methane production in Australian landfills. However, the national recovery level of food organics is only 10%. This study examined food organics management amongst 23 businesses in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia through a face-to-face survey in July and August 2010. Information was obtained in order to: (1) determine the volume of organic material generated; (2) examine the methods used to reduce and dispose food organics; and (3) determine the barriers and opportunities for increased food organics diversion in Hobart. The study determined that measures to avoid the generation of food organics had been implemented to a greater extent than measures for the recovery of food organics. Food organics were mainly diverted by businesses within the Manufacturing and Wholesaling and Food Retailing business group while limited action was taken by businesses in the Accommodation and Food Services and Educational and Health Institutions sectors. Donation of food organics for animal feed was the recovery measure primarily used by businesses followed by donation of surplus food to charity. The barriers reported by businesses as impeding food organics separation for recovery are primarily financial, including the increase of waste disposal costs and a lack of economic incentive to participate in a separated food organics collection service. The absence of a collection service for food organics and a lack of information on alternative options available to divert food organics from landfill were also reported as barriers to better organics management practices. The survey determined that the majority of businesses are willing to divert food organics but under the condition that it is economically beneficial or at least cost neutral.

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Copyright 2010 the author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s). Thesis (MAppSc)--University of Tasmania, 2011. Includes bibliographical references

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