In October of 2015, the Carroll Hy-Vee teamed up with GreenRU, an Iowa-based company that creates customized recycling programs of organics and food scraps for local restaurants, businesses, schools, universities and other organizations. Since that partnership was formed, the Carroll Hy-Vee has diverted 51,880 pounds of organic food waste from landfills. The waste is turned into a rich compost that is used for farming, landscaping and other land applications. Waste reduction is a key component of Hy-Vee’s overall sustainability efforts and Carroll Store Director, Brad Auge, says, “This program is just one way we are fulfilling a commitment to our local community and customers to make sustainable choices, and the numbers demonstrate the impact of this new program.” In addition to the collection of inedible waste items of excess fruits, vegetables, bakery products, solid dairy products and floral clippings that are turned into compost, the Carroll Hy-Vee works to reduce food waste through inventory and shelf management and donation of extra food that is nutritious and safe to eat to local food pantries. As one of the 220 Hy-Vee stores participating in the compost operations, Carroll Hy-Vee has helped divert more than 2 million pounds of food and organic waste away from landfills each month.
