Phoenix Forms a Strategic Partnership with Mill to Combat Food Waste and Promote Sustainability

Transforming Food Waste Management in Phoenix

The City of Phoenix has embarked on an innovative journey to tackle food waste by partnering with Mill, a company renowned for its cutting-edge food recycling solutions. This collaboration aims to significantly increase food recycling rates in Phoenix, addressing the staggering $9.5 billion worth of food waste that ends up in Arizona landfills each year. The city's goal is to divert 50% of wasted food from landfills by the year 2030.

As part of this initiative, over 25 Mill food recyclers have been strategically installed in various municipal buildings, including City Hall, to pave the way for enhanced food waste management across the city. Mill's groundbreaking food recycler silently transforms food scraps into a nutrient-rich material through dehydration, which resembles coffee grounds. Residents can conveniently access food cremation services, along with monthly collections of composting and seasonal produce boxes from the local farm R.City.

Engagement and Awareness

To foster community involvement, Phoenix residents are encouraged to sign up for a free trial of the Mill + R.City food recycling service at mill.com/rcity. This initiative not only aims at raising awareness about the environmental and economic impacts of wasted food but also emphasizes job creation and support for local agricultural endeavors.

Mill's research indicates that nearly 50% of households utilizing their food recycler reported a decrease in food waste. Considering that households in the U.S. waste nearly $3,000 worth of food annually, even a slight reduction can lead to substantial cost savings.

Innovative Measurement Tools

One key aspect of Mill's solution is its suite of innovative measurement tools designed for both households and municipalities. These tools include in-device measurement systems, in-app feedback reporting, and customizable quarterly reports that allow users to track their food waste reduction efforts over time. By enabling residents to visualize these efforts, Mill and Phoenix can work together to achieve the ambitious food waste diversion target.

Positive Impact Statistics

Statistics reveal the notable impact of the Mill + R.City collaboration. On average, households participating in this initiative divert over 20 times more food waste from landfills compared to the average American household, according to EPA data. Additionally, by removing food waste—primarily composed of water—from traditional garbage collection, participating households have collectively reduced the weight borne by Phoenix's garbage trucks by nearly 10,000 ton-miles, which correlates with decreased greenhouse gas emissions and reduced wear on infrastructure.

Addressing the Bigger Picture

Recent data has identified Arizona as the leading state in food waste in the United States. When discarded food is buried in landfills, it decomposes and emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change. Moreover, the economic ramifications are considerable, with wasted food contributing to $9.5 billion in lost resources in Arizona alone.

Harry Tannenbaum, Cofounder and President of Mill, stated, "Addressing food waste offers numerous benefits for homes, communities, and city infrastructure. Our investment in Phoenix over the past year reflects the city’s commitment to sustainable practices. Our joint efforts can demonstrate how accessible and impactful food recycling is."

J.D. Hill, Founder of R.City, emphasized the community aspect, saying, "What began in my backyard eleven years ago has blossomed into an endeavor that facilitates easy participation in food recycling. Our partnership with Mill enhances local employment and fosters urban agriculture, having a positive impact on both the community and the environment."

Amanda Jordan, Phoenix’s Circular Economy Project Manager, highlighted the initiative's role in engaging city staff to achieve food waste diversion goals. "By equipping City Hall's break rooms with Mill food recyclers, we intend to set an example for our residents on how to repurpose food waste effectively."

In conclusion, the collaboration between Phoenix and Mill represents a significant stride towards a sustainable future. Not only does it address an urgent environmental issue, but it also cultivates community spirit and encourages residents to contribute to a cleaner, greener Phoenix. To learn more about the Mill + R.City service, visit mill.com/rcity.