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Analysis of Food Waste and Composting Potential at Triton High School

This study assesses the food waste produced during lunch at Triton High School (THS) by Mrs. Horejsi’s environmental science class. The objective was to evaluate how much food is wasted and how much of it could be composted. We collected refuse from elementary, middle, and high school students using designated trash cans for compostable items and waste. The data revealed that elementary students wasted significantly more food than both middle and high school students combined. We recommend implementing a composting program at THS to redirect waste and benefit the environment.

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Analysis of Food Waste and Composting Potential at Triton High School

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  1. Composting at Triton By: Devan Wanek

  2. The Objective • The objective of our study was to analyze how much food is thrown away during a typical day during lunch at THS. • We (Mrs. Horejsi’s environmental science class) collected refuse from the elementary, middle, and high school students. • Through our study we were able to determine how much food waste could otherwise be composted.

  3. Procedure • We obtained 2 trash cans and a sliver ware tray. • One trash can was for compostable items, and the other was for refuse. The compostable items were: napkins, apple sauce, bread, tater tots, hash browns, fries, soup, and pizza. • We broke up into three groups of 4 to 6 people. The groups were: elementary, middle, and high school • We put on gloves. • We broke up into three groups of 2 people. • The first 2 people in the row took the compostable items off the tray. • The second 2 people in the row removed the sliver ware. • The last 2 people in the row dumped the remaining waste from the tray and stacked them on top of each other. • The weight of each trash can was recorded at the end of each lunch shift.

  4. Data Tabulation

  5. Pounds of Waste per Student (lbs)

  6. Refuse, Compost, and Waste

  7. Analysis • The elementary students were unfortunately the most wasteful of the students. • Elementary students wasted more than middle and high school combined (however they also also represent a greater population of THS students). • The elementary wasted up to 233.5 pounds in one day, while the middle and high school only wasted 121 pounds! • The average elementary student wasted .44 pounds, while the average high schooler wasted only .15 pounds of food.

  8. Conclusion • A composting program should be developed at THS. • This would be a win-win for from both an economic and environmental standpoint. • In doing this lab again, it would be interesting to also record the amount of recyclable trash (milk containers) that are otherwise generated during lunch as well.

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