NE Valley Times

The City of Phoenix and Mill have announced a collaboration to improve food recycling participation and address the significant amount of food wasted each year in Arizona. This initiative aligns with the City's objective to divert 50% of food waste from landfills by 2030. The collaboration involves the deployment of Mill's food recycling systems in Phoenix, aimed at educating residents about the financial and environmental impacts of food waste.

Mill has partnered with local farm R.City to facilitate the recycling process. Mill's food recycling system, when combined with R.City's farming services, transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich material. Harry Tannenbaum, Cofounder and President of Mill, emphasized the positive environmental and infrastructural impact of reducing food waste, stating, "Tackling wasted food is good for homes, communities, and city-wide infrastructure."

R.City's Founder, J.D. Hill, noted the community and environmental advantages of their approach, saying, "This not only helps reduce waste but also supports jobs and strengthens urban agriculture in our community."

The initiative is already making an impact in local government buildings in Phoenix, with 25 Mill food recyclers installed. Amanda Jordan, Phoenix's Circular Economy Project Manager, expressed optimism about the program's potential to engage city staff, commenting, "Having Mill food recyclers in nearly every breakroom of the City Hall Campus is a great way to engage staff in efforts to achieve our food waste diversion goals."

The initiative's broader educational efforts include participation by students in K-12 Title 1 schools, supported by Arizona State University’s Food Waste Futures program.

With an estimated $9.5 billion worth of food being wasted annually in Arizona, this initiative marks a significant step towards reducing landfill waste, lowering emissions, and strengthening the local food system.