Food Service Operations
When you think about pollutants, food is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. However, if they are not disposed of properly, food and drinks can become storm water pollutants. For example, soda pop is acidic and has a high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Materials high in BOD that enter the storm water drainage system result in lower dissolved oxygen levels in our waterways. Good waste handling practices help protect our water resources and environment.

Stadium Vendors
Numerous food vendors generate large amounts of trash before, during, and after each football game. It is the vendor’s responsibility to use proper disposal procedures in an effort to prevent trash and food substances from entering the storm drain. All wastewater must be discharged to the sanitary drain and all items that are recyclable (e.g. cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal cans) should be recycled through the Waste Management department. All solid waste should be disposed of in the trash.

Temporary Event Vendors
The University of Michigan offers a variety of temporary outdoor events, such as the Art Fair and Top of the Park. During these events, vendors and visitors generate large amounts of waste. It is the vendor’s responsibility to use proper disposal procedures in an effort to prevent trash and food substances from entering the storm drain. All wastewater must be discharged to the sanitary drain and all items that are recyclable (e.g. cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal cans) should be recycled through the Waste Management department. All solid waste should be disposed of in the trash.

Art Fair
Art Fair vendors on the University campus are responsible for disposing their wastewater, also known as gray water, at the gray water location on campus. This location is the north side of the Michigan Union.

Top of the Park
Top of the Park vendors are responsible for disposing their wastewater in collection drums at designated points. These drums are collected by OSEH Environmental and Hazardous Materials Management (EHMM) for proper disposal to the sanitary sewer.

Temporary Outdoor Events
For all other temporary outdoor events, all wastewater should be collected and disposed to a drain that is connected to a sanitary sewer. Utility sinks or any sink located inside a building are examples of proper wastewater disposal areas. If a vendor does not have a location to properly dispose their wastewater, vendors should contact EHMM at 763-4568. Wastewater collection drums are available from EHMM, as well as collection of the drums following the event. If vendors have any questions concerning proper waste disposal, contact OSEH EHMM at 936-1920.

Permanent Food Service Establishments
Everyday, across the University of Michigan campus, Dining Services and University caterers feed over 40,000 students, faculty, staff, and visitors. As a result, tons of food wastes are generated. To properly dispose of waste, place all solids in the trash; dispose of all liquids to the sanitary sewer; recycle items such as cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal cans; and compost appropriate food items, if composting is available.

Food service equipment washing should be done indoors, so that all wastewater goes to the sanitary sewer. This includes ventilation ducts, which may need periodic maintenance to remove grease and other contaminants. If washing is conducted outside, all wash water must be collected. This includes cleaning trash cans and garbage dumpsters, the periodic cleaning of ventilation hoods, and any other cleaning activity typically provided by contractors.

Grease traps must be properly maintained and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure their effectiveness. Grease storage drums must be properly stored to minimize the potential for spills. Drums should not be placed near docks, parking spaces, or in vehicle lanes where delivery trucks may hit them. If feasible, grease storage drums should be under a roof or other cover so spills or drips are not washed into a storm drain. If a spill occurs during pick-up, contact OSEH EHMM at 763-4568 for assistance.

It is the responsibility of food service staff to make sure all wastewater is properly disposed. Depending on the cleaning products used, the wastewater may be required to be collected as liquid waste. Check the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of the proposed cleaning products and contact OSEH EHMM at 936-1920 for proper disposal procedures.