Last updated on July 21st, 2016 at 02:16 pm
Quest Resource Holding Corp. is expanding its food waste diversion services for Sprouts Farmers Market, an existing client.
Quest designed and deployed a comprehensive organics recycling program at all California Sprouts stores ahead of new mandatory commercial organics recycling regulations. The program reduces food waste by diverting produce, dairy, bakery, bulk, deli and juice bar items that cannot be sold or donated. The retailer now recycles food waste that cannot be donated at 125 stores.
California Assembly Bill 1826 requires businesses that generate organic waste to implement organic waste recycling programs in phases depending on the amount of waste generated per week. Since Sprouts Farmers Market generates four cubic yards of organic waste per week at its stores in California, Quest is helping the retailer stay ahead of the regulation requiring the retailer to recycle food waste by Jan. 1.
“Quest is delighted to expand its relationship with Sprouts, one of the fastest growing retailers in the country, and continue to help them reach their sustainability goals in California and across the country,” said Ray Hatch, CEO of Quest, based in The Colony, Texas.
“Responsible retailing is part of Sprouts’ DNA, and we are proud of what we’ve achieved in the past two years working with Quest,” said Carlos Rojas, senior counsel for Sprouts Farmers Market, which is based in Phoenix, Arizona. “Our organics recycling program not only benefits the environment, but improves store operations by minimizing waste. We also are pleased to be well ahead of the CalRecycle regulations compliance date.”
Quest’s organics recycling program converts food waste into nutritional animal feed additives or compost, helping to prevent greenhouse gas emissions and reduce waste in landfills. Quest developed custom online and in-store training to help educate and engage store associates to ensure program is successful.
Additionally, Quest manages municipal solid waste and recycling programs at all 229 Sprouts Farmers Market locations across the U.S.
