Best References: Food Processing

Across the United States, food processors of red meats and seafoods are facing urgent problems in meeting the requirements of county, state and national regulations for protection of the environment from solid, liquid and airborne wastes. Costs of managing food processing wastes depend heavily on the size and complexity of the operation. Common waste treatment practices include land disposal, anaerobic ponds, aerobic ponds, activated sludge, clarifiers and filtration. This industrial sector presents an understanding of the operations involved in red meat and seafood processing. It includes information on the economic benefits of clean technologies to conserve raw materials, energy and reduce waste. You will also find specific pollution prevention material highlighting opportunities for increased process yield, employee training, water conservation, dry cleanup and wastewater management.
Date Last Updated: 2/22/2007

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Case Studies |

Section Title: Dewatering Makes Big Difference in Compost Strategies
Full Title: BioCycle
URL: /30/29105.pdf
Length: 4 pages
Date: January 1995
Section Author: Lowe, Eric D.; Buckmaster, Dennis R.
Abstract: This article discusses how a Pennsylvania snack food facility used dewatering in the composting of food processing residuals.
Section Title: Food Processor Hits 80 Percent Recycling Rate
Full Title: BioCycle
URL: /30/29107.pdf
Length: 3 pages
Date: November 1994
Section Author: Freeborne, Jay
Abstract: Nalley's Fine Foods, a maker of salsa, salad dressing, and pickles, uses multiple strategies to produce animal feed, supply community food banks, generate compost and find uses for hard to recycle items via the Internet. Waxed cardboard used in compost, the recycling infrastructure on site, and waste reduction in overlooked areas are discussed.
Section Title: Eagle Snacks, Inc.
Full Title: Case Studies - A compilation of successful waste reduction projects implemented by NC businesses
URL: /01/0056602.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: December 1995
Full Work Author: NC Office of Waste Reduction
Abstract: This processor of potato chips and nuts pumps its wastewater to a sod farm 3 miles away. Starch from the potato washing is centrifuged to recover starch. Retailers are paid to return corrugated boxes for reuse.
Section Title: Site Visit Report
Full Title: Outline for Waste Reduction Options for Specialty Products Industry
URL: /09/08004.pdf
Length: 8 pages
Full Work Author: NC DPPEA
Section Author: DPPEA Industrial Assistance Section
Abstract: This report contains preliminary waste reduction and management options for a specialty products food processor. The suggestions of this report are based on data collected and observations made during facility visits occurring from January 1998 to May 1999.

Fact Sheets |

Full Title: Source Reduction and Management Alternatives for Commercial Food Producers
URL: /02/01100.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: December 1996
Full Work Author: Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
Abstract: This factsheet weighs the advantages of managing commercial food by-products as animal feed vs. composting or landspreading. Composting is favored for seasonal wastes and where transportation costs for use as feed would be high.
Full Title: Using Food Processing By-Products for Animal Feed
URL: /01/00237.pdf
Length: 3 pages
Date: August 1991
Full Work Author: Crickenberger, Roger G.; Carawan, Roy E.
Abstract: This fact sheet presents ways that various food processing by-products can be converted to livestock feed and discusses a step-by-step procedure for evaluating whether a byproduct is suitable as animal feed.
Full Title: Water Conservation Bulletin 3 - Beverage/Food Processing Industries
URL: /02/01227.pdf
Length: 3 pages
Date: June 1989
Full Work Author: MA Water Resources Authority
Abstract: This bulletin gives water conservation techniques, in bullet form, for the beverage and food industries. Includes a case study of a bottling company that saved $180,000 and 12 Mgal per year.
Section Title: Grain Processing
Full Title: Water Efficiency Manual
URL: /01/0069208.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: August 1998
Full Work Author: NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
Section Title: Meat Processing
Full Title: Water Efficiency Manual
URL: /01/0069207.pdf
Length: 2 pages
Date: August 1998
Full Work Author: NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance

Articles and Reports |

Section Title: Waste Reduction in Food Processing - A People Management Issue
Full Title: Proceedings of the 1990 Food Industry Environmental Conference
URL: /02/01228.pdf
Length: 6 pages
Date: November 1990
Section Author: Richardson, Stephanie
Abstract: This presentation discusses the importance of employee involvement in waste reduction. Training for all levels of workers, from line processor to corporate manager, was described. People management is emphasized as the best approach for waste reduction in the food processing industry.
Section Title: Characterization and Potential Methods for Reducing Wastewater From In-Plant Hog Slaughtering Operations
Full Title: Sixth National Symposium On Food Processing Wastes
URL: /02/01226.pdf
Length: 25 pages
Date: December 1976
Section Author: Dencker, Donald O. et al.
Abstract: By using a detailed characterization of waste generated in hog slaughtering plants, Oscar Mayer modified processes to reduce water use and product loss. Several specific modifications to the slaughtering operation and layout are evaluated.

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Content provided by N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance and Waste Reduction Resource Center through a grant from the EPA.