Managing Food Industry Waste

NACTA Journal, Mar 2005 by Walker, Paul

Managing Food Industry Waste By Robert R. Zall, Blackwell Publishing, 2004, hardcover, 182 pages, $79.99

This book is a valuable reference that should be at the disposal of industry professionals (including food processing plant managers, environmental engineers and solid waste coordinators) environmental consultants, government agency staff (EPA and natural resource personnel, etc) and academicians (teachers, extension specialists and researchers). This book is not an engineering text about how to build and operate waste processing facilities. This book is a summary of the experiences and knowledge in managing waste gained by Dr. Robert Zall over a period of 40 years as a professional manager, sought-after consultant, avid scientist and ardent teacher. The common sense narrative shares his wisdom on the subject of waste management in a practical, easy to read, accessible format.

A far too frequently expressed opinion of food-processing plant managers and CEO's is that they are in the business of producing finished food products and not in the waste management business. Unfortunately, many in the food industry do not recognize that improving in-plant waste abatement methods is less expensive and more profitable than end-of-the-plant waste treatment. The narrative of this book directly addresses these issues in an informative manner based on previous real-world experiences. Accordingly, because the narrative exposes these philosophical perspectives so commonly shared by industry and provides applied solutions based on specific situations, this book is a must read for agency staff charged with enforcing legislated regulations and for educating and training future environmental engineers.

The chapters are sensibly arranged. The charts and figures clarify information in a quick and easy to understand manner. A unique feature of the book is a "self-test" covering waste treatment technology. This self examination, complete with answers, is ideal for the novice reader, new employee or college student.

The primary strength of this book is that it is a management tool, philosophical in nature, containing invaluable waste management concepts incorporated with practical methods of implementation. The topics covered range from how and what waste to inventory to waste treatment strategies, including discussions on the economics of managing food-processing wastes. The narrative begins and ends with chapters regarding how to seek and gain assistance in solving waste problems.

Overall, this book provides an updated, practical perspective of managing waste in commercial food production plants. It is an excellent reference text for students enrolled in Independent Study courses. This book fits a specific niche for corporate executives and business managers. Its blend of sound science and practical application is informative and easy reading.

Paul Walker

Department of Agriculture

Professor of Animal Science

Coordinator of the Livestock and Urban Waste Research Team

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois