Food loads that have been rejected can often be donated, saving you tipping fees and qualifying you for tax donations. Many local warehouses and pantries are equipped with loading jacks and can accept rejected food loads. Nearly one million pounds of food come to the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill every day. You can help feed hungry people instead of landfills. Composting what can’t be donated helps rebuild soil and grow nutritious food.
Please remember that when food is not edible, it doesn’t mean it has to be sent to the landfill.
Donate Your Rejected Food Load
Your first choice when deciding what to do with your rejected food load should be to donate it to families in need. Food donations provide a much-needed supplement to area food pantries who serve at risk individuals and families.
Be prepared to provide the following information:
- Product type
- Case pack of each product
- Pallet count & storage type
- Reason for rejection
- Expiration dates
- Photos, if possible
Compost Your Rejected Food Load
If you’re unable to donate the food, the next best thing is to take it to a composting facility. There are many benefits to composting, including:
- Creating nutrient-rich soil to grow more food & feed more people
- Conserving limited landfill space
You may also receive:
- Savings on tipping fees
- Depackaging & certificates of destruction
*Please note: Certificates of disposal/destruction are available from these facilities, if required.
Click here for a map of composting facilities around the state. Click here for the list of Ohio EPA-licensed and registered facilities. (Note that only Class 2 facilities accept food waste, so not every facility listed here or on the map may be helpful to you.)
