Stormwater drains are found in your parking lots, and always drain directly, untreated, to waterways such as rivers, lakes, streambeds and oceans. This compromises fish and other aquatic species functioning, and can lead to fish kills if the level gets high enough. In addition, primary wastewater treatment does not remove all pollutants. Use of food grinders also uses substantial amounts of water. If the food is hauled as garbage and goes to a landfill, the landfill may leach out heavy metals, contaminants and other pollutants.
Landfills are increasingly subject to closure which inexorably leads to increased hauling rates.
They smell, attract rodents, diminish contiguous property values, and generally represent a short sighted and non-beneficial use of land. During food prep, source out vegetative waste which can be used in stocks and other food preparations. Use plastic buckets or look for bifurcated, or trifurcated garbage inserts which will ease this separation. For prepared food which is never served, donate temperature controlled food which is in compliance with local health department regulations, and call a local food bank for pickups. Ask your customers to please take home leftovers.