2024 COFWI Partner Updates
In 2024, the Central Ohio Food Waste Initiative was in its 6th year of momentum reducing wasted food across Franklin County. Additional local governments, businesses, schools, hospitals, and entertainment venues have reached out to SWACO to engage in formal activities to cut the organic waste they produce. We know many more are acting on their own. Here’s a roundup of some great partners doing great things to reduce wasted resources and benefit our soil, our communities, our environment.
Read The 2024 COFWI Roundup Here
SWACO’s Redesigned Recycling And Food Waste Champion Programs Are Now Live!
- Indoor containers are available for free. SWACO now stocks standard recycling and compost bins and can deploy them to your location once you’ve met with a SWACO representative to confirm the type and number of containers you need.
- Indoor signage is free. We can provide custom signage for your indoor collection points so materials are diverted correctly. We also have a Signmaker tool you can use to customize your own signs.
- Up to six months of recycling and composting hauling costs can be reimbursed.
Click Here Become a Recycling or Food Waste Champion
SWACO Launches New Program To Support Additional Food Waste Drop-Off Locations
There are now more than 30 food waste drop-off sites throughout Franklin County, and SWACO has launched a new program to help cities, townships, and villages create even more or to expand the ones they already have. The program is open throughout the year and can fund the costs of enclosure materials and hauling costs for up to three new sites.
New Fresh Takes Initiative Aims To Help Residents Save More Than Food
Nearly a million pounds of food comes to the Franklin County landfill every single day, and local families may be spending as much as $2,000 per year on food they don’t eat. Among the many ways that SWACO is working to combat the problem of food waste is a new initiative called Fresh Takes, which offers articles, recipes, videos, and tips to help residents reduce the amount of food they waste. Topics include tips on using what you have on-hand, proper freezing and storage techniques to make
leftovers last, and how to make sense of best-by and use-by dates. The Fresh Takes website also includes recipes for putting over-ripe fruits and veggies to use instead of throwing them away, making the most of stale bread, and highlighting ways to substitute ingredients you already have on-hand rather than buying more. Click here to learn about how you can reduce food waste in your home, donate extra food, or compost food scraps.
