Reasons to Become a Zero Waste to Landfill Cafe or Restaurant is good for long-term investment
Food waste is one type of waste that many Indonesians produce. Not only households but also businesses such as cafes and restaurants, are affected. Organic waste is one of the types of waste that most end up in landfills.
Not properly managing food waste is harmful and many are not aware of it. Even though organic waste is a type of waste that can be decomposed naturally by the environment, it takes time to decompose optimally. If there are too many, it can cause new problems.
Zero Waste to Landfill as a sustainable solution
The Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) concept aims to reduce or eliminate waste disposed of in landfills and reduce the negative environmental impact caused by disposing of waste at final disposal sites which can result in land, water and air pollution as well as excessive land use.
In practice, the implementation of Zero Waste to Landfill consists of a series of integrated activities. Starting from reducing waste to handling waste using the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) so that not a single bit of waste is thrown into landfills. Waste is used to create raw materials for other processes, achieving a circular economy. The success of this concept can contribute to creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment.
There are 3 main stages of the Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) concept.
1. Sorting from sources
Waste sorting from this source can be carried out by individuals or organizations that produce waste according to the sorting categories based on the type of waste. The benefit of sorting waste is that it can maintain the value of a material and make the process of handling waste easier.
2. Segregated collection and transportation
Once the waste has been sorted based on its material type, segregated waste transportation and collection services can be utilized to guarantee that the sorted waste remains separate and will not be combined back to the destination’s waste processing site.
3. Maximum and responsible waste management and processing
Each sorted waste is processed based on its characteristics and available management. Waste materials will be appropriately processed to ensure their reuse and prevent landfill deposition.
This activity can be supported by reporting and monitoring. These are crucial elements for ensuring proper waste management traceability and preventing disposal in final landfills.
Based on the Republic of Indonesia Government Regulation No. 81 of 2012 concerning the Management of Household Waste and Waste Similar to Household Waste, this standard is required to be used as a guideline for every organization that produces waste such as managers of residential areas, commercial areas, industrial areas, special areas, public other Facilities.
Steps to Implement Zero Waste to Landfill in Cafes and Restaurants
Adhitya Prayoga, Head of Responsible Waste Management Waste4Change, said that one of the roots of the waste problem in Indonesia is food waste, the amount of which almost always dominates the total national waste every year. Accumulating food waste can create methane gas and has been proven to cause explosions in landfills if we look at the cases of Leuwigajah landfill and Sarimukti landfill.
Implementing Zero Waste to Landfill in Cafes and Restaurants can solve waste problems. Several cafes and restaurants worldwide have implemented this system successfully. According to online sources, two restaurants in India are reducing waste by utilizing composting techniques for wet organic waste and sustainable serving practices. Several restaurants, wine bars, and accommodations in the UK and USA apply this concept. They minimize post-consumer waste by providing recycling containers for leftovers and using minimal packaging for walk-in orders.
There are several steps that your cafe and restaurant can take to implement the Zero Waste to Landfill campaign in your business. The following include:
Reduce food waste
This can be achieved by carefully planning the menu, appropriately dividing food portions, and providing compost bins for customers at your cafe or restaurant.
Recycle and compost
Cafes and restaurants can recycle and sort waste independently and compost various materials, including food waste, cardboard, plastic and metal.
Use environmentally friendly packaging
Cafes and restaurants can use environmentally friendly packaging, such as recycled paper and compostable food containers, to offer reusable packaging options.
Collaborating with private waste management companies such as Waste4Change in implementing and managing waste using Zero Waste to Landfill practices
Benefits of Zero Waste to Landfill for Long-Term Investment
Implementing Zero Waste to Landfill practices can benefit voters and investors in many ways such as:
Environment
One of the benefits felt from this method is the benefits for the environment around your business. ZWTL helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and protect the environment from pollution. ZWTL can also help conserve resources such as water and trees, as well as reduce the amount of waste that ends up in incinerators, which release harmful pollutants into the air.
Financial
ZWTL can save businesses money on waste disposal costs. The cost of waste disposal is increasing, making it more expensive for businesses to operate landfills and incinerators. ZWTL has the potential to assist businesses in decreasing their energy usage and enhancing their operational efficiency.
Social benefits
ZWTL has proven to be a responsible participant in waste management for environmental conservation efforts. Other benefits ZWTL can also help businesses improve their social image and attract and retain service users and employees.
ZWTL can be used as a strategic priority in your business. Setting targeted ZWTL targets for your business can be used as a means of integrating ZWTL into your business sustainability strategy. It is highly advisable to offer assistance and backing to the ZWTL initiative. Allocate budget for ZWTL programs and training, and provide employees with the tools and resources they need to be successful. By investing in zero waste to landfill, the business world can create a more sustainable future for people and the planet.
[Isnaeni Martha]
