Reducing waste saves restaurants money and improves their brand image. Discover how restaurants can improve their waste management and make a change.
Running a restaurant is more than creating a menu and serving guests. So many things go into this line of work in order to be successful. Food establishments that want to stay ahead of the game must prioritize societal wants and needs to remain relevant. Today, that means practicing sustainability.
Eateries that want to be more eco-friendly can do so by looking at their waste handling methods. Learn how restaurants can improve their waste management practices and make a change at your location.
Perform a Waste Audit
Before you start altering your methods, do some investigative work into your current operations. Performing a waste audit will tell you where you can make the most impactful changes. Is your waste coming from recyclable products like paper and plastic, or does excess food dominate your dumpsters? Collecting this information first will ensure that you use your time most efficiently.
Enforce the FIFO Method
Restaurants can improve their waste management practices by enforcing the FIFO method. FIFO stands for “first in, first out” and refers to using your oldest products before your newer ones. Organize your BOH so that your first orders are more accessible. This way, you can get the most out of your items before they expire and minimize food waste.
Invest in a POS System
If you want to better your restaurant’s waste handling procedures, you’ll need a way to track your inventory. Invest in a POS system to help you manage your stock and discover which things you should stop buying. Tracking your inventory will tell you how fast or slow things are moving, so you won’t waste money tossing undesirable produce. In addition, POS systems also reduce the amount of paper your restaurant consumes by submitting orders electronically.
Use Sustainable Disposal Techniques
Of course, it’s impossible to eliminate your waste production completely. When you need to throw things away, consider using a sustainable disposal technique. There are several environmental benefits of outdated product destruction methods like composting. You could also donate foods nearing their expiration date to feed needy families before they go bad.
There are many reasons why you should improve your waste management methods, and all of them better your restaurant and the world as a whole. Use these tips while revamping your business practices to be a positive leader in the industry.
