Compost and Food Systems

One type of waste used in composting is food waste. Food waste is generated directly by producers and subsequently by processors (such as green chile processing plants), distributors (such as restaurant and grocery stores), and consumers. An important goal of a food system is to minimize waste, and this goal is conceptualized through the Food Recovery Hierarchy. The preferred outcome of any food system is to feed hungry people; the next best outcome is to feed animals. As you move down the hierarchy, you will notice that composting is second to last in the preferred use for extra food and food waste. Remember that compost is not made entirely of excess edible food! We discussed composting with manure, green waste, and other non-edible organic materials in both worm and aerated static pile systems. In the case of non-edible organic materials, compost is the most desirable use of these excess materials.