Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for
Title
Foods Scraps Composting and Vector Control
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
6-2008
Abstract
Nontraditional waste
management facilities, particularly
new projects to compost
food scraps, are becoming more
common because of national
and state initiatives to promote
recycling and extend
landfill capacities. In fact, food waste is the
third largest component of generated
waste by weight, following yard trimmings
and corrugated boxes. The U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that
each American disposes of 1.3 pounds of
food waste daily or nearly 474 pounds annually.
While there is a clear need to recycle
food waste, the location of waste management
facilities and national initiatives
on waste management are increasingly
controversial, partly because of potential
wildlife related impacts. Responsible development
of the industry must include
management of facilities to minimize
waste material serving as attractants to
vectors such as birds and mammals that
pose hazards to human health and safety.
Communication by Barnes Nursery,
Inc. with local, state and federal officials
about potential wildlife hazards posed by
the development of their food waste composting
business created an atmosphere of
collaboration. We suggest a similar approach
for others considering food waste
composting operations. However, for those
operations proposed within FAA siting criteria
for certificated airports under Part
139 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or
other airports receiving FAA funding, a
Wildlife Hazard Assessment might be
deemed mandatory. Good
communication with the public and government
agencies charged with the safety of
the public will benefit your business.
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Published in BIOCYCLE JUNE 2008.