Think composting is hard? Here’s how easy integration can be
Every business is a delicate balance between operations and profitability, compliance, and corporate social responsibility. Owners can be wary of the costs and time involved with altering any aspect of their operations. Fortunately, when it comes to food waste diversion, composting isn’t an overhaul–it’s an integration.
You’ll be amazed at the way a few small adjustments to your practices can transform your food waste stream into a supply of beneficial compost.
Moonshot Compost is here to support you every step of the way to make it as easy as possible to become more sustainable.
Why Austin businesses can’t ignore composting
If your city is like Austin, making sure your food waste is diverted from landfills may not be optional anymore. Food-permitted businesses and multifamily units here in Texas’ capital city are required by the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) to…
submit plans every year for both recycling and organics diversion;
provide employees access to at least one organics diversion method (which can include composting in concert with a licensed hauler);
post signs at containers identifying acceptable materials and the type of diversion method will be used on the contents; and
educate residents and/or employees on the organics diversion you provide.
The city is stepping up enforcement of the URO, and violations are a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $2,000 per day, per offense. So for companies in Austin and places like it, working with Moonshot is simply good business.
Composting is easier than you think to implement
Here’s why you don’t need to sweat the idea of composting at your facility…
No overhaul needed: Composting can be added alongside existing trash and recycling without overhauling your waste system.
Simple staff training: The main adjustment is training staff to separate organics correctly.
Full support provided: We advise you on the other considerations like container placement, clear signage, and pickup logistics. It’s what we do!
3 easy ways to integrate composting into your business
1. Start with a waste audit or walkthrough.
Go on a scouting mission around your space to get an idea of how your food waste is currently being handled. Where are the key food waste generation sites: the kitchen, the break room, the cafeteria?
With this information you can estimate how much food waste volume you’re producing and the frequency of pickups by a composting service you’re likely to need.
2. Phase in composting by location or department.
Running a pilot program is always helpful for identifying potential challenges, gathering feedback, and building buy-in. By starting small with food waste collection in just kitchens, break rooms, or janitorial areas, you can gain valuable insight to help you roll out the program facility-wide.
3. Use clear signage and feedback loops.
There’s a reason manufacturers often use assembly instructions that are image-only: visual cues are universal, can help reduce misunderstanding, and can be less daunting than blocks of text, especially for learning something new. Apply this principle to your signage so stakeholders can get the idea with just a glance.
Also, to further encourage buy-in, be sure to celebrate your composting wins. Moonshot’s Diversion Dashboard makes it easy to track and share your waste diversion accomplishments.
How Moonshot makes integration effortless
Simple, flexible service plans
Set up a collection schedule that matches your business needs and get clean container swaps at every pickup.
Easy results tracking
Your personalized Diversion Dashboard is your home for tracking and sharing sustainability reports with your staff and customers.
Fast turnaround from quote to pickup
No red tape. We can get you a one-page proposal in as little as 24 hours.
Addressing common business concerns
We often hear similar refrains from business owners worried about certain aspects of using a composting service. Here’s how we respond:
Owner: We don’t have much free space.
Moonshot: We have a selection of different-sized containers. We can help you find the right one and the right place to put it.
Owner: What about odors? Won’t decaying food attract pests?
Moonshot: Our containers close tightly and we swap them for clean ones frequently to eliminate smells and pest risks.
Owner: How will my staff know what to do?
Moonshot: We can train them on-site and answer all their questions.
Owner: What about waste stream contamination?
Moonshot: We’ll provide clear guidance and signage to help your staff avoid mistakes like mixing non-compostables with organics.
Ready to comply—and simplify? Let’s talk…
The circular economy movement is steaming ahead in Austin, and now is the perfect time to get on-board.
Whether yours is a food-permitted business or you just want to deal responsibly with the organic waste you produce at your facility, partnering with Moonshot is a proactive step you can take today to align your operations with sustainable practices.
