Composting Food Scraps

The hospitality industry and composting seemingly don't belong in the same conversation. But since the food aspect of hospitality generates food scraps, the most typical item to be composted, it's time to discuss these topics together.

By composting non-protein food scraps and incorporating the resulting loam into the land, the soil is nourished and moisture retention improved. Composting lightens the load on the landfills and reduces your trash bill.

In addition to food scraps, some disposable paper products can be composted. The kinds of paper products that can be composted aren't coated with chemicals to waterproof them. "Paper" plates, cups, bowls, and to-go containers made of bagasse, corn plastic, and other vegetable matter incorporate nicely into compost piles.

There are several books available to help you design and maintain your compost, and your local extension agent can be of great help too. A healthy compost pile won't attract bugs or rodents, so it's important to balance your ingredients and maintain the right moisture level. If you don't have the right situation for a compost bin, work with others who have the space and would love to have your food scraps. Habitat Suites, in Austin, Texas is one hotel that composts their food scraps and disposable products.