Food Service Industry
Problems
The by-products of food-related
businesses can harm our streams and aquatic life if they enter
the storm drain system. Food businesses can cause harm by
putting food waste in leaky dumpsters, not cleaning up outdoor
food or chemical spills, or by washing outdoor spills into
the storm drain system.
Other routine activities such
as cleaning oily vents and operating and maintaining delivery
trucks are sources of pollution, unless proper precautions
are taken. When it rains, motor oil that has dripped onto
the parking lots from business and customer vehicles is washed
into our streams and river via the storm drain system.
Oil and grease can kill fish
and other wildlife and block oxygen from entering the water.
Also, toxins found in oven and floor cleaners can, in high
concentrations, harm, or kill aquatic life.
Solutions
1. Keep Work sites Clean
Best Management Practices such
as handling, storing, and disposing of materials properly
can prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain system.
Wash greasy equipment such as
vents and vehicles before storing outside and only in designated
wash areas properly connected to the sanitary sewer system
with an appropriate oil\water separator.
2. Minimize Wastes
Use non-disposable products.
Serve food on ceramic dishes rather than paper, plastic or
Styrofoam and use cloth napkins rather than paper ones. If
you must use disposable products, use paper instead of Styrofoam.
Buy the least toxic products
available.
-
Look for "non-toxic,"
"non-petroleum based," "free of ammonia,
phosphates, dye or perfume," or "readily biodegradable"
on the label.
-
Avoid chlorinated compounds,
petroleum distillates, phenols, and formaldehyde.
-
Use water-based products.
-
Look for "recycled"
and "recyclable" containers.
3. Parking Lot Drainage
Cover, repair, or replace leaky
dumpsters and compactors, and/or drain the pavement beneath
them to the sewer. Rain can wash oil, grease, and substances
into the storm drain system.
Clean up leaks, drips, and other
spills immediately. This will prevent contaminants from leaving
the pavement.
Never hose down "dirty"
pavement or surfaces where materials have spilled. Use dry
cleanup methods whenever possible.
4. Recycle Wastes
Purchase recycled products. By
doing so, you help ensure a use for the recyclable materials
that people collect and recycle.
Recycle the following materials:
-
Food waste (non-greasy,
non-animal food waste can be composted)
-
Paper and cardboard
-
Container glass, aluminum,
plastic, and tin
-
Oil and grease (by specific
companies)
Separate waste. Keep your recyclable
wastes in separate containers according to the type of material.
They are easier to recycle if separated.
Paper and containers can be brought
to the Athens Recycle Center, 118 Rocky Mount Road. Call 423-744-2748
for more information.
Recycle oil and grease wastes.
Never dump them down storm drains or on the ground. Look in
the yellow pages for "rendering companies" or "oils-waste."
5. Employee & Client Education
Employees can help prevent pollution
when you include urban runoff training in employee orientations
and reviews. Promote these Best Management Practices (BMPs):
Storage containers should be
regularly inspected and kept in good condition.
-
Place materials inside
rigid, durable, water-tight and rodent-proof containers
with tight fitting covers.
-
Store materials inside
a building or build a covered area that is paved and designed
to prevent runoff from entering storm drains.
-
Place temporary plastic
sheeting over materials or containers and secure the cover
with ties and weighted objects (Not appropriate for storing
liquids).
Post BMPs where employees and
customers can see them. Showing customers you protect our
streams and river is good public relations.
Explain BMPs to other food businesses
through your business associations or chambers of commerce.
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