"RichD" wrote in message
...
The local grocery has a compost recycle bin,
for food scraps etc. Even the plates and utensils
go in there.

Having some experience in grocery stores, I noticed something out of the
ordinary in your statement. Refuse plates and utensils, usually styrofoam
of some sort and plastic correspondingly, originate from a eating area in
the grocery store. Not something off the shelf in the grocery store proper.
Typically, the eating area requires a food preparation area to supply it.
Along with that, there may be warming areas for grab and go hot foods, cold
foods bakery items, and so forth. These have short shelf lifes, and are
typically tossed while still in their containers. The food scraps from the
eating area are exceedingly small compared to the volume by the plates and
utensils. There are probably styrofoam or plastic cups involved from the
eating area and placed in same refuse receptacles in the eating area.

3 other primary food waste areas in a grocery store are produce, meat
market, and dairy. These are not typically mixed with prepared food waste.
But, if compacted, do end up in the same location. The only grinding waste
may occur in the meat market.

I know produce waste has alot of plastic, paper, and wire ties within it.
Other than prepared green foods, my parents also disposed of bacon grease
and soured milk in a 1/2 gallon milk carton. Buried contents in the garden
regularly. That was well before hormonal, and present chemicals were added
to foods though. They did not to feel good, but, made the garden grow more
robustly.

--
Dave