Abstract
The hospitality industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward sustainability, driven by a growing awareness of environmental responsibilities and cost-effectiveness. A significant component of this transformation is the management of food waste, which is not only an ethical concern but also a pressing global issue. This chapter explores innovative technologies for sustainable food waste disposal in hospitality operations, shedding light on the cutting-edge solutions that are revolutionizing the way hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments manage and reduce their food waste. In this chapter, the authors delve into a multifaceted exploration of various technological advancements and strategies designed to minimize food waste generation and enhance the sustainable disposal of food waste in the hospitality sector.
Top1. Introduction
The hospitality industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward sustainability, driven by a growing awareness of environmental responsibilities and cost-effectiveness. A significant component of this transformation is the management of food waste, which is not only an ethical concern but also a pressing global issue, with one-third of all food produced for human consumption being wasted each year (FAO, 2022). The hospitality industry is a significant contributor to food waste, generating between 10% and 30% of all food waste (WRAP, 2020). Food waste has a number of negative environmental and financial impacts. It contributes to climate change by releasing methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide (EPA, 2022). Food waste also consumes valuable resources such as land, water, and energy (FAO, 2022). In addition, food waste costs the global hospitality industry billions of dollars each year (WRAP, 2020).
Innovative technologies offer a number of promising solutions for reducing and sustainably disposing of food waste in hospitality operations. This chapter will provide an overview of innovative technologies for sustainable food waste disposal in hospitality operations, with a focus on the different types of food waste generated in hospitality operations; the environmental and financial impacts of food waste; the different types of innovative technologies for sustainable food waste disposal; case studies of hospitality businesses that are using innovative technologies to reduce food waste; and challenges and opportunities for implementing innovative food waste disposal technologies in hospitality operations. The types of food waste generated in hospitality operations vary depending on the type of business. However, some of the most common types of food waste include prepared but uneaten food, spoiled food, food scraps and trimmings, and leftovers from plates.
Food waste has a number of negative environmental impacts. It contributes to climate change by releasing methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Food waste also consumes valuable resources such as land, water, and energy.
In addition, food waste costs the global hospitality industry billions of dollars each year. This is because businesses have to pay to purchase food that is then wasted, as well as to dispose of the waste.
There are a number of innovative technologies that can be used to reduce and sustainably dispose of food waste in hospitality operations. Anaerobic digestion is a process that breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas and bio fertilizer. Biogas can be used to generate electricity or heat, while bio fertilizer can be used to fertilize crops. In-vessel composting is a controlled composting process that can be used to convert food waste into compost in a matter of weeks. Compost can be used to fertilize crops or improve soil quality. Bioconversion is a process that uses enzymes or microorganisms to convert organic matter into other products, such as biofuels, animal feed, or fertilizer. Bioconversion can be used to convert food waste into a variety of products that can be used or sold.
In addition to these technologies, there are a number of other innovative technologies that are being developed to help the hospitality industry reduce and sustainably dispose of its food waste. Smart waste bins can use sensors to identify different types of waste and sort them accordingly. This can help to reduce the amount of food waste that is sent to landfills. AI-powered food waste tracking systems can use data to track food waste throughout the hospitality operation. This data can be used to identify areas where food waste is being generated and to implement interventions to reduce waste. Food waste-to-energy systems can convert food waste into energy that can be used to power hospitality operations. This can help to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and create a more sustainable operation.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Innovative Technologies: Innovative technologies are new or improved technologies that can be used to solve problems or improve the way things are done (OECD, 2010 AU32: The in-text citation "OECD, 2010" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Real-Time Food Waste Monitoring Systems: Real-time food waste monitoring systems are systems that use sensors and other technologies to collect data about food waste in real time. This data can then be used to identify and address food waste problems quickly and efficiently ( FWAN, 2018 ).
Food Waste: Food waste is any food substance that is discarded, whether or not it is intended for human consumption ( FAO, 2011 ).
Hospitality Operations: Hospitality operations are the activities and processes that are involved in the provision of hospitality services to guests. This includes a wide range of activities, such as food preparation and service, accommodation, and leisure activities. ( Jones, 2014 )
Black Soldier Fly Farming: Black soldier fly farming is the process of raising black soldier fly larvae to be used as animal feed or fertilizer. Black soldier flies are very efficient at converting food waste into protein, and their larvae can be used to feed a variety of animals, including chickens, pigs, and fish ( FAO, 2017 ).
Smart Bins: Smart bins are waste bins that use technology to collect data about the waste that is deposited in them. This data can then be used to improve waste management practices, such as by identifying areas where more recycling or composting is needed.( European Commission, 2018 ).
Sustainable Food Waste Disposal: Sustainable food waste disposal is the management of food waste in a way that minimizes its environmental impact. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as composting, anaerobic digestion, and black soldier fly farming ( Halloran and Vermeulen, 2014 ).
Food Waste Sensors: Food waste sensors are devices that can be used to detect and measure food waste. This data can then be used to track food waste levels and identify areas where food waste can be reduced ( WRAP, 2018 ).
Composting: Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment ( USEPA, 2018 ).
Anaerobic Digestion: Anaerobic digestion is a biological process in which microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen. This process produces biogas, which can be used to generate electricity or heat ( USEPA, 2016 ).