Bayou Vermilion District (BVD) Launches Food Waste Composting Program

Press Conference unveils rocket composter system
(light lunch, demo and optional watershed tour) 
Wednesday, January 30th from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at vermilionville

Bayou Vermilion District (BVD) announces the launch of a pilot program that will minimize food waste, reduce environmental cost and turn a waste product into a valuable resource at Vermilionville. The A900 Rocket Composter converts post-consumer food waste from Vermilionville's restaurant, LRA member La Cuisine de Maman, into nutrient rich compost in only 14 days with an additional 4 to 6 week aging period. The excess is added to the system at a ratio of 40 percent food waste and 60 percent food chips. The resulting compost is utilized in landscaping projects and heritage seed gardens throughout the village. 

"Auditing our restaurant's waste stream has already paid off. Our manager can adjust meals being prepared, monitor portion sizes, and limit dumpster service. The monetary savings will ultimately pay for the composter system over its lifetime," says Director of Environmental Awareness Greg Guidroz.

The USDA's Economic Research Service estimates that approximately 40 percent of our food supply is wasted in the United States, annually. In essence, each year 133 billion pounds of wasted food will most likely end up in landfills, requiring even more energy to haul food waste away. According to Foodshift.net, a collaborative effort focused on reducing this issue, reports that food waste is the largest component entering municipal landfills. When food is wasted, 25 percent of freshwater resources, huge amounts of energy, and valuable farmland are also being wasted. 

BVD recognizes the problem, especially within Acadiana and hopes to act now rather than later. "This pilot program will allow us an opportunity to work with local agencies in assessing the economic viability of expanding this project on a larger scale."