Commercial Food Waste Diversion and Source Reduction Program Checklist
Commercial food waste generation creates environmental and economic costs. This checklist helps food service businesses implement effective diversion strategies and comply with state organic waste mandates.
- Industry: Waste Management
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 20-25 minutes
- Role: Sustainability Manager / Operations Director
- Total Items: 36
Source Reduction (Highest Priority)
Implement food waste source reduction strategies.
- Annual food waste audit conducted to identify major waste streams?
- Purchasing adjusted based on actual consumption - overbuying reduced?
- Menu engineered to reduce prep waste and unsold items?
- FIFO rotation strictly followed for all perishables?
- Food waste tracked daily by category?
- Annual food waste reduction target set and tracked?
Food Donation Program
Implement safe food donation to reduce waste.
- Partnership established with food bank or hunger relief organization?
- Donated food maintained at safe temperatures during storage and transport?
- Donated food labeled with content, allergens, and date?
- Donation log tracking items and quantities for tax deduction?
- Staff trained to identify safe foods for donation versus disposal?
- Monthly donation tonnage tracked?
Organics Recycling
Implement food scrap collection program.
- Organics recycling hauler contracted for food scraps?
- Food scrap collection bins labeled and separated from trash?
- Staff trained on organics contamination prevention?
- Used cooking oil managed through licensed grease hauler?
- Organics collection frequency adequate to prevent overflow and odor?
- Compliant with state commercial organics recycling mandate if applicable?
Measurement and Reporting
Measure and report food waste diversion performance.
- Baseline food waste quantity established?
- Monthly food waste tonnage by stream (donation, compost, landfill) tracked?
- Food waste diversion rate calculated monthly?
- Cost savings from food waste reduction tracked?
- State food waste reporting requirements met?
- Food waste data included in corporate sustainability reporting?
Staff Training and Engagement
Engage staff in food waste reduction.
- All food service staff trained on food waste reduction practices?
- Kitchen staff trained on proper portioning to reduce plate waste?
- All staff trained on correct use of organic waste bins?
- Food waste champion designated to lead program?
- Staff feedback on food waste reduction barriers collected?
- Staff recognized for food waste reduction achievements?
Documentation
Maintain food waste diversion documentation.
- Food waste audit reports on file?
- Food donation records on file for tax purposes?
- Organics hauler weight tickets on file?
- State compliance reports submitted per schedule?
- Annual program review completed?
- Supplier engagement on packaging and food quality to reduce upstream waste?
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Why Use This Commercial Food Waste Diversion and Source Reduction Program Checklist?
This commercial food waste diversion and source reduction program checklist helps waste management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for sustainability manager / operations director professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Commercial Food Waste Diversion and Source Reduction Program Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Source Reduction (Highest Priority), Food Donation Program, Organics Recycling, Measurement and Reporting, Staff Training and Engagement, Documentation. It is designed for waste management operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Who should use this Commercial Food Waste Diversion and Source Reduction Program Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Sustainability Manager / Operations Director professionals in the waste management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.