Overview of Food Recycling License

In India, food waste has become a significant modern issue. Nearly 40% of produced food is wasted annually due to fragmented food systems and insufficient supply chains, as estimated by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization).

Despite adequate food production, approximately 190 million Indians remain undernourished, according to the UN. The total food waste is estimated to cost around Rs. 92,000 crores per annum in India.

A considerable amount of food is wasted at the household level. The Food Waste Index Report 2021 revealed that an average of 50 kg of food per person is thrown away annually in India. This waste ends up in landfills, where it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to environmental degradation. The total food waste in 2021 was 817,000 tonnes, representing a 23% increase compared to 2020. While food waste recycling has increased, the recycling rate for food waste remains at 19%.

Food Waste Management Data:

Food Waste Management Hierarchy
The hierarchy of steps for effective food waste management includes:

1. Prevention and Reduction of food wastage at the source
2. Redistribution of unsold or excess food
3. Recycling or treatment of food waste
4. Composting (Final Product)

Food waste in landfills generates methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. Composting food waste and other organic materials can reduce methane emissions, eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers, and promote higher agricultural yields.

Benefits of Composting Food Waste
The key benefits of composting food waste include:

• Prevention of soil erosion
• Promotion of plant growth
• Healthier plants
• Water conservation
• Waste reduction
• Improved soil quality
• Decreased greenhouse gas emissions
• Minimization of odors in agricultural areas

Documents Required for Food Recycling License

The following documents are required to apply for a Food Recycling Business License:

• A covering requisition letter stating the status of the industry and activities.
• Copy of the attested sale deed, lease deed, or any other relevant documents as proof of possession of the site or factory.
• Copy of attested MOA (Memorandum of Association) in the case of public or private sector companies or registered partnership deed in case of partnership companies.
• Plan layout showing the location of processing equipment, utilities such as boilers and generators, effluent treatment plants, outlet locations, and non-hazardous and hazardous waste storage areas.
• Schematic diagram showing the distance of water bodies, roads, residential areas, agricultural lands, religious locations, educational institutions, ancient monuments, archaeological places, and other sensitive areas within a 2km radius of the unit.
• The manufacturing process in detail for each product, along with a detailed flow chart.
• Auditor's certificate with the breakup details for the proposed gross fixed assets, duly certified by a CA, along with financial provisions for pollution control measures.
• PAN Card or Aadhar Card.
• Utility bills.
• GST Registration.
• Factory License.

Procedure for the Food Recycling License

The Food Recycling License involves obtaining the NOC (No Objection Certificate) or the Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Pollution Control Board. The procedure for obtaining the Food Recycling License, including CTE and CTO, is as follows:

1. Filing of Application
   The applicant needs to file an application in the appropriate form for the grant of a Food Recycling License.

2. State Pollution Control Board
   Each state has its own Pollution Control Board, and the applicant must fill out the application form for the concerned State Pollution Control Board.

3. Document Submission
   The applicant submits the application along with the required documents and information.

4. Submission to Authority
   The application is submitted to the concerned authority, such as the General Manager, Member-Secretary, or Regional Officers.

5. Inspection
   The authority inspects the premises where the business is carried out. Based on the inspection, the application may either be accepted or rejected.

6. Issuance of License
   If the application is accepted, the Pollution Control Board issues the Food Recycling License to the applicant.

Fastzeal Assistance for Obtaining Food Recycling License

1. Purchase a Plan for Expert Assistance
   Choose a suitable plan for expert guidance and support in the process.

2. Add Queries Regarding Food Recycling License
   Submit any queries or doubts you may have regarding the Food Recycling License.

3. Provide Documents to Fastzeal Expert
   Share the necessary documents with Fastzeal expert for further processing.

4. Prepare Application + Complete All Admissibility Criteria for Preliminary Screening
   Fastzeal will assist in preparing the application and ensure that all admissibility criteria are met for preliminary screening.

5. Complete Procedural Actions
   All required procedural actions will be completed, ensuring compliance with the regulatory requirements.

6. Get Your Work Done
   Fastzeal ensures the completion of the process and helps you obtain your Food Recycling License smoothly.