Efforts to “Green” the Ronald McDonald House Celebrated by City of San Diego
Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego has been selected as one of ten Recyclers of the Year by The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department in their 2016 Waste Reduction and Recycling Awards Program.
Last year, our Director of Operations, Gabi Rivers, and her team launched a comprehensive program to reduce waste and increase recycling at our House. They identified best practices from area hotels, restaurants, and our partners at Waste Management and the City of San Diego. The Parker Foundation was also a key supporter of our meals program recycling efforts through a grant of $24,000.
From 38 bags of trash to just 3 bags a day
This recycling program has significantly reduced material costs and the amount of waste generated by the House. We were amazed at the difference these and other steps have made: we’ve gone from disposing of 38 bags of trash from our kitchen to just 3 bags a day. A few highlights:
- We were able to end the use of paper plates and plastic utensils in our meals program, thanks to the installation of efficient commercial dishwashers.
- We made it easier for guests to separate recyclables from trash with new,easy to use bins.
- We now process all food scraps from meal preparation for eventual reuse as clean compost through the Food Waste Composting Program of the City of San Diego.
- We even recycle soap and shampoo for processing by a nonprofit partner!
Council Member Todd Gloria presented this award to Gabi Rivers, our Director of Operations, Facilities Manager Mike Murphy, and Food Services Manager Denise Rougeau-Brunson. We’re delighted to have their efforts to “green” our House recognized by the City of San Diego.
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