The School Nutrition Foundation recently issued a report titled “Life Cycle Environmental and Cost Analysis of Disposable and Reusable Ware in School Cafeteria” to address the cost and environmental impacts of having reusable ware, disposable ware or a combination of the two in school nutrition programs. The report, available at the School Nutrition Association's Web site, is the first update of its kind in 25 years.

The goal of this study was to develop representative environmental and cost profiles for the production, use and end-of-life management of disposable and reusable ware used in school cafeterias. School nutrition programs consider these factors when deciding what combination of reusable and disposable ware items make the most sense to include in their program.

Key insights include:

• Eliminating dishwashers and moving to disposables may not be cost-effective and is likely to create an environmental burden.


• Total costs for serving meals in reusable compartment trays are about 25 percent lower than serving meals on disposable trays.


• Reusable compartment trays consumed the least amount of energy, had the lowest amount of solid wastes, the lowest greenhouse gas emissions and were the least expensive.


• Newer model dishwashers (i.e., “replacement” dishwashers) that use less water and energy can reduce rinse water usage and energy consumption by nearly half, resulting in substantial reductions in the overall energy, solid waste and global warming potential.


• Using more efficient dishwashers would save approximately $1,300 per 100,000 meals served, due to reductions in the amount of electricity and water expended.

School nutrition programs provide more than 5 billion meals each year to students. The type of warewashers schools use plays a significant role in operating and energy costs as well as environmental impact.

School nutrition programs provide more than 5 billion meals each year to students. The type of warewashers schools use plays a significant role in operating and energy costs as well as environmental impact.

The School Nutrition Foundation contracted with the consulting firm Franklin Associates to design, collect data and analyze information related to this project.

For more information and to learn more about the role Hobart warewashers play in reducing energy, water and operating costs, please contact your Hobart sales representative.

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