An evaluation of introducing the OBEO caddy into the food waste disposal system in Ireland.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether introducing the OBEO caddy to the home organic food waste disposal system would result in a lower environmental footprint than if the food waste was sent to landfill. A streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out and the environmental impacts were quantified in terms of primary energy consumption (PEC), global warming potential (GWP), acidification (EP) and eutrophication (EP) potential. It was found that the OBEO caddy has the potential to greatly reduce the environmental and resource consumption impact of organic food waste and had a positive effect for PEC, GWP and EP. A negative effect for AP was found. Fill rate, and product design to achieve maximum fill rate need further attention and comparisons with plastic caddy’s and recycled paper bags need to be undertaken to complete the evaluation of the OBEO caddy.