Feeding the Future: How Recycling Tech is Turning Food Waste into Climate Solutions

In this cutting-edge episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon is joined by Riley Casey of Van Dyk Recycling Systems, a leader in innovative waste processing and sustainable infrastructure. Together, they dive into the evolving world of food waste recycling—and how advanced depackaging and sorting technologies are transforming trash into powerful climate tools.

Riley explains how Van Dyk’s systems handle everything from packaged expired goods to industrial food waste, using custom-engineered equipment to extract organics for compost, animal feed, or anaerobic digestion. Their machines remove plastics, sort aluminum, and even create clean, usable slurry—ensuring that what was once destined for landfill can now fuel clean energy systems or return to the soil as a regenerative resource.

The conversation also explores the growing demand for modular, scalable food waste solutions in North America, inspired by proven models in Europe. Mike and Riley discuss the economics of automation, the importance of minimizing labor costs, and how businesses and municipalities can reduce landfill dependency while creating real environmental and economic value.

From reducing methane emissions to navigating permitting challenges, this episode highlights how tech-driven circular systems can reshape how communities manage waste—and build resilience for the future.

Why Listen?

This episode is a blueprint for modern composters, sustainability advocates, and city planners looking to turn food waste into opportunity. It aligns directly with Harvesting Wisdom’s mission to “close the gap between information and action” and “leave a social footprint” by showcasing real-world tools that are already working.

Whether you're new to food systems or deep in the sustainability space, you'll walk away inspired by the solutions—and the systems—leading the way.

Timestamps:

00:01:18 – Riley Casey’s background and role at Van Dyk
00:02:16 – What Van Dyk equipment handles: compost, feed, anaerobic digestion
00:03:46 – Food waste depackaging challenges and innovations
00:05:56 – Front-end processing and automation
00:08:26 – How depackaging machines handle full pallets of packaged goods
00:10:35 – Step-by-step breakdown of the depackaging process
00:13:33 – Using recyclables like cardboard and aluminum in compost
00:14:48 – Transitioning into food waste for composters
00:16:27 – Building scalable, modular systems based on feedstock
00:19:49 – Space-saving equipment design and mobile units
00:21:04 – Slurry creation and contaminant removal
00:24:39 – Regulatory considerations for animal feed safety
00:26:19 – Built-in cleaning and maintenance systems
00:27:56 – The origin story of Van Dyk and its European influence
00:30:23 – Mobile units and bypassing permitting delays
00:32:43 – Odor control and air purification options
00:33:11 – The future of waste: climate-smart, economically viable, and scalable

For More Information:

Visit 👉 www.vdrs.com
Questions? Contact Riley directly at 📧 rcasey@vdrs.com

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