• Introduction
• What are food processing residuals?
• How does the food processing residuals distribution program work?
• What kinds of analyses must the generator submit for approval?
• Is there continuing analysis and reporting required?
• Must I pretreat my residual prior to distribution?
• Where can the residual be taken? Are there restrictions on the type of land or crop to be grown?
• Why should I consider a distribution program for my residual?
• What can LRRM do in assisting with a distribution program?

Many of the food processors in Pennsylvania and New Jersey face an increasingly competitive market; one forcing consideration of all available cost saving methods. At the same time, these industries are incurring ever increasing costs for the transportation and disposal of the residuals generated in their process. The obvious answer is to consider all alternatives to minimize the costs of handling these residuals. This fact sheet briefly outlines some of the options for disposal/reuse and the regulations which effect them. It is important to note that almost any manufacturing/processing operation can benefit from the review of recycling/disposal practices - even if it simply the pretreatment of wastewater to remove BOD/SS. This brief outline should serve as a guide and not be considered a substitute for a comprehensive assessment of options.

WHAT ARE FOOD PROCESSING RESIDUALS?

Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania define food processing residuals as the byproducts of various food-production processes. These materials must be free from sanitary wastes, such as wastewater from toilets, showers, etc. Food processing residuals include vegetative wastes (skins, peels, seeds, etc.) as well as residuals from food processing wastewater pretreatment facilities.

HOW DOES THE FOOD PROCESSING RESIDUALS DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM WORK?

The State regulatory agencies have established either General Permits for food processing residuals, or have a simplified Distribution Program for these materials. The food processor submits specific information on the residual source, quality and on the food processing facility itself. This information allows the regulators to review the process and become comfortable with the material to be recycled. It also allows them to determine if any further treatment is required to control odors or vector attractiveness. Chemical analyses showing the nutrient content of the residuals are submitted, along with analyses showing levels of heavy metals and pesticides. These results are used to determine the safety of using these materials on farmland.

WHAT KINDS OF ANALYSES MUST THE GENERATOR SUBMIT FOR APPROVAL?

At a minimum, one analysis of the residual showing its chemical characteristics must be submitted. Nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.) and heavy metal concentrations (cadmium, copper, lead, etc.) are submitted on forms provided by the State. In some cases, a limited number of pesticides or toxic organics must also be sampled for. Based on these initial analysis and a review of the process, the State may require some additional testing, although this is the exception and not the rule.

IS THERE CONTINUING ANALYSIS AND REPORTING REQUIRED?

Once approved for distribution, most residuals are subject to yearly analysis to track any changes in quality. These results must be reported to the State. Some tracking of residual application may be required for some materials, particularly those requiring additional treatment to control odors or vectors.

MUST I PRETREAT MY RESIDUAL PRIOR TO DISTRIBUTION?

In most cases, there is no further treatment prior to distribution. This is particularly true of vegetative wastes. There are handling requirements for the sites which accept the material, but these are usually simply for the material to be plowed or disced in after application. For some residuals produced in the meat industry, requirements for stabilization (lime addition) are added in order to insure destruction of pathogens which may have been present in manures, and to control odor and vector attraction.

WHERE CAN THE RESIDUAL BE TAKEN? ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS ON THE TYPE OF LAND OR CROP TO BE GROWN?

Once a distribution permit is received, there are no specific restrictions as to where the material can go or on what type of crop can be grown. The State may require that the generator specify where the material is to be taken, and to require that the receiving farm have a Farm Management Plan prepared by the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Many farms have such plans currently in place, and it takes only several weeks to receive a plan on a new farm. The State then provides an approval letter for each farm to receive the residual. In most cases, the residual is applied at rates which will not exceed the nitrogen needs of the crop to be grown.

WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER A DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM FOR MY RESIDUAL?

Many food processors are now having their residual hauled to a disposal facility, such as a landfill or incinerator. The generator pays not only the hauling costs, but pays for disposal of a material with a potential value to a nearby farmer. By obtaining a distribution permit and becoming involved in a distribution program, the generator may significantly reduce hauling costs by using nearby farms. In many cases, the participating farmer will accept the material for free, or may charge a small fee to assist with their cost in applying the material. The generator has much greater control over where the residuals go and can control their hauling and disposal costs.

WHAT CAN LRRM DO IN ASSISTING WITH A DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM?

Land Resource Recycling Management, Inc. (LRRM) has over 10 years experience in managing residuals in New Jersey. They are familiar with the regulatory process, and can assist in coordinating a distribution program from obtaining analysis to submitting the necessary reports to the State regulatory agency. LRRM can also assist in finding farmland, and has a number of farms currently available for food processing residual application. We have the equipment necessary for application, and can provide hauling and pumping equipment as well. On-going monitoring and reporting can also be provided, and we can develop a turn-key program for your residuals, taking the entire burden off your shoulders.