Reduce Wasted Food in connecticut

Reducing wasted food is about building a responsible business that prioritizes its people, customers, and the planet.

Wasted food resources for Connecticut businesses, municipalities, organic recyclers, food relief organizations, and others.

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Free Assistance to Reduce Wasted Food for Connecticut Businesses & Institutions

Our customized assistance programs help you build a workplace that values sustainability, fosters happier employees, and engages customers who share your commitment to making a difference.

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Who uses the assistance?

Connecticut businesses and institutions of all sizes—such as grocery stores, restaurants, event centers, correctional facilities, colleges, universities, K-12 schools—along with municipalities, organics recycling facilities (like composting and anaerobic digestion), food relief organizations, and others, are all eligible for assistance.

“To be honest, I was skeptical at first. However, food waste diversion was so inexpensive to set up, and surprisingly, the kids quickly learned to separate edible food and food scraps from other waste. Ultimately, I’m so glad we’ve implemented this program because of its significant environmental impacts.”

Beecher Road Elementary

Jane Roddy

Kitchen Manager

“One of the defining aspects of our culture at the
ShopRite of Milford is supporting our local community
and helping our neighbors in need. That commitment
includes fighting hunger and improving our environment
to make our community a better place to live, work and
raise a family. In fact, this dedication is true not only at the ShopRite of Milford but also at every ShopRite store.”

ShopRite of Milford

Harry Garafalo

Owner

“The implementation, in turn, opened our eyes to problems that we have since been able to fix, and CET’s assistance was tremendously valuable.”

Little Pub

Doug

Owner

Our Approach: Personal and Practical

Each business is unique, which is why our assistance is tailored to your specific needs. We focus on hands-on, practical strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into your existing operations.

Why it matters?

business assistance to reduce food waste

When your business takes steps to reduce wasted food, you’re doing more than improving operations—you’re fostering a sense of responsibility among staff and customers alike.

Reducing wasted food can help ensure your business complies with Connecticut Commercial Organics Recycling Law, avoiding penalties, while engaging employees in sustainability efforts can strengthen team morale and job satisfaction. By showing your commitment to sustainability, you also attract conscious customers and build lasting loyalty.

FAQs:

What are the historic, current, and upcoming requirements of the Commercial Organics Recycling Law (CGS 22a-226e)?

The Commercial Organics Recycling Law (CGS 22a-226e) currently requires businesses generating 52+ tons of food scraps per year to recycle if within 20 miles of a facility. Upcoming changes may lower this threshold further, expanding compliance requirements. For historic details and current regulations check this information.

Why is reducing waste in Connecticut important?

Approximately 40% of Connecticut’s 2.2 million tons of municipal solid waste is organic material. With limited disposal options, approximately 860,000 tons of this material is shipped out of the state to landfills, further increasing disposal costs.

By minimizing waste, reusing materials, and recycling, organizations can avoid higher disposal costs and contribute to sustainability efforts.

Will my business get in trouble for not recycling food scraps?

No, CET is a non-regulatory organization. They focus on helping businesses comply with Connecticut’s recycling laws and reduce waste, offering guidance without penalties.

We’re not doing a very good job recycling, will you still help us?

Yes, CET helps businesses at any stage of their recycling efforts, offering realistic recommendations to improve waste management and environmental compliance.

We’re already doing a great job recycling, why would we need help?

CET can provide advanced strategies to reduce waste further, offering new resources and ideas to elevate existing recycling programs.

How it works?

We offer customized solutions tailored to your business’s specific needs, including on-site visits, virtual consultations, and ongoing support.

FAQs:

Who is eligible to receive assistance?

Connecticut businesses—including grocery stores, restaurants, event centers, colleges, universities, K-12 schools, municipalities, organics recycling facilities (such as composting and anaerobic digestion), food relief organizations, and others—are eligible for assistance.

How much will assistance cost for my business?

Assistance is provided at no cost to Connecticut businesses through a contract with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Do you provide on-site assistance?

Depending on the organization’s needs, we can provide a virtual visit, on-site visit, or assistance via phone and email.

What happens during a site visit?

During the site-visit (in-person or virtually), a waste reduction consultant will learn more about your operations and develop a list of potential solutions. Specifically, for businesses, this can include a review of your current waste contract to identify potential opportunities for efficiency and cost savings.

Furthermore, for organic recycling facilities, this could include a review of operations to determine means to improve or expand operations. Finally, we will conduct research on your behalf and deliver a report with customized recommendations for your organization, along with direct assistance to implement one or more of our recommendations.

What materials can you help us recycle?

CET can assist with recycling common materials and hard-to-recycle items like electronics, fluorescent bulbs, pallets, and food waste, including composting and donation options.

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Real Stories, Real Impact

The results are undeniable. Businesses that partner with CET typically see a 30% reduction in wasted food, translating to stronger community impact.

Not only that, but with our no-cost assistance 9 out of 10 businesses experience cost neutrality or cost savings after implementing wasted food solutions.

With CET’s ongoing support, these businesses continue to thrive, showing that sustainable practices aren’t just good for the planet—they’re great for business too.

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Connecticut resources

Learn, download & be a sustainable partner by sharing resources to connect businesses with assistance to reduce waste, improve their bottom line, employee job satisfaction, and respond to customer demands for sustainable practices.

Video Guide

Reduce Wasted Food in connecticut

Free Assistance to Reduce Wasted Food for Connecticut Businesses & Institutions

Jump to Resources ↓

Who uses the assistance?

Beecher Road Elementary

Kitchen Manager

ShopRite of Milford

Owner

Little Pub

Owner

Our Approach: Personal and Practical

FAQs:

FAQs:

Get Assistance

Real Stories, Real Impact

Connecticut resources

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Greenwich Food Matters Challenge

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DMHAS Connecticut Valley Hospital Report

Sustainable Partners · Connecticut

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Wasted Food Solutions: Spotlights from New Haven

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Greenwich Food Matters Challenge

You feel it: the urgency of the climate crisis growing every day!

Reduce Wasted Food in connecticut

Free Assistance to Reduce Wasted Food for Connecticut Businesses & Institutions

Who uses the assistance?

Beecher Road Elementary

Kitchen Manager

ShopRite of Milford

Owner

Little Pub

Owner

Our Approach: Personal and Practical

FAQs:

FAQs:

Real Stories, Real Impact

Connecticut resources