Case Studies

Gourmet Food Market

Customer Profile

Upscale gourmet food market with 10 locations in Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.

Situation

  1. Prior to 2005, only recycling limited cardboard and metals.
  2. A change in local regulations resulted in a critical need to re-engineer waste and recycling processes to.
    1. Avoid fines for loads containing hazardous and/or universal waste.
    2. Minimize exposure to higher landfill tip fees for hauls containing yard waste.

Solution

  1. Comprehensive source separated recycling program.
  2. Onsite separation of co-mingled containers, metals and wood pallets.
  3. Cardboard collection switched from front end loaders to compactors to capture more material.
  4. Haulers further sort waste to divert hazmat, universal and yard wastes from county landfill.
  5. Asset recovery plan for metal and other materials from point-of-sale centers at eight stores.

Financial and Environmental Benefits

  1. All loads are fully compliant with local regulations, eliminating risk of fines.
  2. Rebates realized from cardboard recycling for significant cost savings.
  3. Average of $750 per point-of-sale center saved in disposal fees by diverting metal and other recyclables.

Working Towards Zero

  1. Plans to pilot food composting program at three flagship stores in Maryland.