D'Arrigo Bros. of New York, Inc., one of the nation’s largest distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables, has been recognized by New York City for its participation in the Mayor’s Zero Waste Challenge, part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s comprehensive OneNYC plan to send Zero Waste to landfills by 2030.
“D’Arrigo Bros. is committed to New York City’s Green Mission,” said Matthew D’Arrigo, Vice President of D’Arrigo Bros.. “Participating in the Mayor’s Zero Waste Challenge was a natural partnership. We were able to strengthen our sustainability efforts as we strive to divert waste through reusing, donating, composting, and recycling.”
D’Arrigo changed the processes it has had in place, rather than waiting until the end of production hours to have a limited amount individuals separate and dispose of all waste materials, the company implemented a strategy that requires all employees to take part in the waste removal process throughout the day. This led to an increase in recyclable and reusable materials and a large decrease in trash materials. At the beginning of the challenge its diversion rate was roughly 85%, today their diversion rate exceeds 95%.”
“The Zero Waste Challenge allowed D’Arrigo Bros.to help NYC meet the goal of reducing carbon emissions, producing less waste and donating food to those in need,” said Matthew D’Arrigo. “I believe that our participation can serve as a role model for others looking to comply with the City's recycling laws and help New York City achieve its zero waste goal." The company donated 216.13 tons of produce to NYC Parks, City Harvest, Food Bank of NYC and others.
This Zero Waste Challenge comes ahead of the new commercial organics law which will require certain subsets of businesses to source separate food scraps and other organic material for beneficial use in 2017, as well as new commercial recycling rules that simplify the City’s current commercial recycling rules, making them easier for businesses to follow.
To successfully complete the Zero Waste Challenge, D’Arrigo and the more than thirty participants committed to divert at least 50% of their waste from landfill and incineration.
Photo Caption: Gabriela D’Arrigo, Marketing Director for D'Arrigo Brothers of New York, accepted an award from the office of New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio for the prominent role the company played in New York City’s “OneNYC plan”, which is dedicated to improving the environment by minimizing the waste that is deposited into New York City landfills.
Source: D'Arrigo Bros. of New York, Inc.
