Re: [GreenYes] The 'best" single service cups, plates and utensils

[Victor Aguiar <vaguiar@ecoact.org>]

My observations and research suggest that the ideal solution for this
situation would be fully biodegradable, unbleached tableware composted with
food waste in-vessel, which can safely process meat and dairy. Assuming that
in-vessel composting and unbleached tableware are cost-prohibitive and/or
unavailable, next best would be uncoated paper (e.g. Chinet) for plates and
bowls, which could be backyard-composted, and which would be better in the
landfill long-term than plastic alternatives. Paper cups are also better
than plastic, though they do have a thin plastic coating. Best to encourage
participants to bring their own mugs that they can wash at home. The
utensils are more of a problem, as the biodegradable ones are expensive and
mediocre in performance in the trials of which I am aware. Plastic utensils
will probably have to do.

These are simply the conclusions of a waste management professional who has
thought about this more than most people. I look forward to the input of
others.


Victor R. Aguiar
0 Waste Project Director
Ecology Action
P.O. Box 1188
Santa Cruz, CA 95061-1188
831-426-5925, Extension 13
vaguiar@ecoact.org
http://www.ecoact.org

There is no such thing as garbage.



On 9/19/02 9:12 AM, "Reindl, John" wrote:

> I have been asked by a local church for a recommendation on what are the
> 'best' types of single service cups, plates and utensils to use for serving
> meals in their facility. They serve meals for a variety of purposes, ranging
> from funerals to meetings of youth groups. They don't have a dishwasher and
> local regulations on minimum temperatures for washing dishes in a public
> setting make washing dishes by hand unworkable.
> 
> Any recommendations would be most appreciated.
> 
> John Reindl, Recycling Manager
> Dane County, WI 
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