Analysis of Current Food Waste Reduction Activities in Iowa

The goal of the IWRC's Iowa Food Waste Reduction Project is to reduce food waste and divert it from the landfill. To fully understand current food waste reduction activities and management, the IWRC worked with Strategic Marketing Services (SMS) to survey landfills and large Iowa food waste generators across Iowa.

Iowa Food Waste Market Research Findings - 2013Purpose

  • Document trends in food waste reduction and landfill diversion
  • Identify current and effective food waste reduction and landfill diversion practices in Iowa
  • Establish hurdles and obstructions to food waste reduction and diversion from Iowa landfills
  • Provide relevant data to design a comprehensive food waste reduction and landfill diversion assistance program

Across both groups, those with a food waste management system in place are highly satisfied with the outcomes and would recommend it to peers. Those without a food waste management system do not feel food waste is a significant problem. 

Barriers to Incorporating a Management System

  • Cost
  • Issues associated with composting
  • Lack of implementation resources
  • Not having enough food waste to justify implementing a system

Conclusion

These findings, along with the IWRC’s research through the Iowa Food Waste Reduction Project  show a definite need for a food waste reduction program with a primary focus on education - education on the environmental hazards of food waste and how reduction can benefit an organization.

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Iowa Food Waste Reduction Program Market Analysis - 2013