The Latest News

FE&S delivers relevant news of the day to the foodservice equipment and supplies marketplace.

Advertisement

White Castle Enhances Sustainability Efforts

The quick-serve burger chain will leverage government resources to expand its Minnesota recycling and food waste diversion programs.

White Castle has enhanced its recycling and food waste diversion program in Minnesota, adding to the restaurant chain's ongoing efforts in Ohio and across the nation.

According to a company release White Castle will work to divert more than 7,000 pounds of food waste per month to a commercial compost facility in Shakopee, Minn., that will create compost and sell it directly to landscapers and residential customers, with some repackaged retail sales.

"The roots of our company are firmly planted in a philosophy of improving the quality of life for our team members," said Shannon Tolliver, White Castle's social responsibility and environmental sustainability manager. "We continue that tradition today by contributing to cleaner, greener neighborhoods where we live, work and play."

White Castle's efforts in Minnesota, supported by a business recycling grant from the County of Hennepin, will also include expanding its current recycling program by adding recycling containers in the dining rooms of White Castle's seven locations in the area.

White Castle's other sustainability efforts include:

  • Securing LEED Gold certification for its newest frozen food manufacturing facility in Vandalia, Ohio
  • Donating more than 3,000 pounds of used and expired marketing material to schools and teacher resources for reuse in classrooms and arts rooms.
  • Reusing corrugated cardboard bun boxes between the bakeries and restaurants, a practice that has been in place since 1961. An average box is reused 5 to 7 times before it is recycled.
  • Reducing its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions