At Marin Sanitary Service, our commitment to finding the highest and best use of our collected material is never ending.
In 2014, in partnership with the Central Marin Sanitation Agency, we launched the Food 2 Energy program (F2E) to convert every banana peel, stale loaf of bread, and meat trimming into a renewable energy source right here in Marin County.
The program takes food waste from participating local restaurants and grocery stores and converts the material into a bio-gas through anaerobic digestion. Anaerobic digestion is a process that converts organic material into a methane gas.
That methane gas is then utilized as a power source for the Central Marin Sanitation Agency and helps power the operation of their sewage treatment facility allowing them to pump water, run filters, and clean Marin’s waste water before it goes into the bay.
Another benefit of the conversion process is the avoided methane emissions at Redwood Landfill from the decomposition of organic materials and the reduction of truck trips from San Rafael to Novato.
It’s a winning combination!
Food 2 Energy is a program specifically for commercial businesses that are large food waste generators such as restaurants, assisted living facilities, grocery stores, schools, hospitals, and any other business or institutional facility that has food service. In our service areas, there are approximately 250 large food waste generators who produce nearly 15 tons of food waste per day.
When you set up service with us, an outreach coordinator will review these options with you to assess your qualifications for this program. You may end up as both a compostables customer and enrolled in our Food 2 Energy program, if that makes sense for your business.
Some businesses may be required to donate their edible food. For more information please go to zerowastemarin.org/businesses/commercial-recycling/#fdon
Download the training guide and you’re on your way to being a successful Food 2 Energy business.
Use this handy F2E label/poster to remind your team what can go into your F2E carts.
How does the anaerobic digestion process work? Check out this infographic.
If you think your business might qualify, or you have questions about the prgram, we’re here to help. Call (415) 456-2601 and a customer support representative will assist you. You may also email a Food 2 Energy Coordinator with the button below.
Per California law, compostables (food scraps, plant debris & food-soiled paper) and recycling must be removed from garbage containers.
*Some businesses may be required to donate their edible food. For more information please go to zerowastemarin.org/businesses/commercial-recycling/#fdon
Copyright © 2023 Marin Sanitary Service. All Rights Reserved.