Abstract
The recycling of food waste generated from food-related business operators has steadily progressed within the food manufacturing industry since the enactment of the Food Waste Recycling Law. However, food waste discharged from the “downstream” of food distribution is still being disposed of in large quantities despite the fact that it can be recycled and used in manure or feed. On the other hand, where household food waste is concerned, only a small portion is being recycled while most gets incinerated. The growing trend of methane gasification for household food waste is also attracting attention as it can increase the sale of electricity and greenhouse gas emissions are low.
With the Food Waste Recycling Law as the background, this article provides an outline of the current status and future outlook on food waste recycling being promoted among business operators dealing in food. It also introduces efforts being made by the Ministry of the Environment with regard to the promotion of waste biomass utilization such as household food waste.
