Foodservice Packaging Recycling Toolkit Launched

The Foodservice Packaging Institute has launched an online toolkit with free resources for recycling and recovering cups, containers, boxes, bags and other foodservice packaging.

The toolkit provides information for companies at all stages of the packaging recovery process, from those in the foodservice packaging supply chain to the recycling and composting industries, says Lynn M. Dyer, Foodservice Packaging Institute president. “We’ve created this toolkit to respond to the questions and needs of many different stakeholders involved in the recovery process,” Dyer says.

The toolkit is separated into different sections based on target audiences. For communities, material recovery facilities and end markets, the toolkit highlights studies done by the trade group’s Paper Recovery Alliance and Plastics Recovery Group. It also maps out potential end markets for recycled material and shares case studies of successful foodservice packaging recovery.

With help from the National Restaurant Association, a section for foodservice operators offers step-by-step guidance for implementing an in-store recycling and/or composting program. Resources include free downloadable and customizable forms and templates, educational videos and a map highlighting recycling and composting policies that may impact foodservice operators in the US and Canada.

An additional section, currently under development, will be geared toward operators of composting and anaerobic digestion facilities.

Earlier this month the Foodservice Packaging Institute’ Foam Recycling Coalition announced grant money is available to increase recycling of packaging made from foam polystyrene. Available to both public and private organizations, each grant will range from about $15,000 to $50,000. The application deadline is April 10.

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