Help the environment by taking the necessary steps to reduce waste and save money in your restaurant or fast food establishment.

1. Use refillable condiment dispensers rather than individual packets. Unused packets are unnecessarily discarded and not recycled.

2. Donate unused, leftover food to a food bank.

3. Rotate food and check inventory whenever a delivery is made to minimize spoiled food.

4. Keep freezers and coolers clean and check for food that has fallen on the floor or behind shelving.

5. Store perishables, such as raw vegetables, in reusable airtight containers to prevent spoilage and dehydration.

6. For vegetables that have wilted, re-hydrate them by trimming off the ends and submerging them in warm water for 20 minutes.

7. Use production charts to minimize over prepping.

8. Whenever possible, prepare foods as they are ordered.

9. Leftover vegetables and meat trimmings can be used for soups.

10. Purchase paper products that have been made with recycle materials.

11. Use reusable table linen and dinnerware, as well as reusable aprons for staff.

12. Use multipurpose cleaners instead of chemicals for specific surfaces.

13. Keep an eye on refrigerators to ensure that they are running properly to avoid food spoilage and reduce energy costs.

14. Maintenance equipment monthly.

15. Filter oil and clean fryers on a daily basis.

16. Have employees use reusable beverage containers from home for their drinks.

17. Serve straws from a dispenser rather than serving them pre-wrapped.

18. Use take-out containers matching the size of the food.

19. Recycle grease, fat and cooking oil, as well as cardboard and glass.

By incorporating recycling and simple waste prevention in your establishment, you will be reducing potential cost increases and eliminating much of the waste that would otherwise go straight to landfills.

Source: www.ciwmb.ca.gov