In the world there are millions of people suffering from starvation and lack of food. Yet, at the same time tons of food products are wasted each day. Wasting food is an ethical and economic issue and it also depletes the environment of limited natural resources. What happens to food past its shelf-life? Food waste is one of the least recovered materials in the municipal solid waste stream and is one of the most important materials to divert from landfills.
Food that is disposed of in landfill decomposes to create methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. However, food waste can be recycled and turned into valuable resources. It can be composted in the backyard or in a commercial facility to create a natural fertilizer with many beneficial qualities. Furthermore, it can be converted into animal feed. Food can also be used as an alternative source of energy, using the products of its degradation. The main goal of course is to minimize food wasting significantly. But when the waste is already produced, it is necessary to transfer it and to limit the pollution of our planet.