Food Waste Depackaging
To help divert more food waste from landfills, Dakota Prairie Composting uses the Thor Turbo Separator—a highly effective system that separates food from its packaging with over 99% efficiency.
This technology allows us to compost expired, recalled, or misprinted packaged foods from grocery stores and manufacturers. The Thor processes over 100 tons per day, turning food waste into nutrient-rich compost while diverting packaging to the landfill.
How It Works
- Delivery: Businesses like grocery stores and food manufacturers bring us packaged food waste—still sealed in its original packaging.
- Loading: Our skilled operators use a front-end loader to place the materials into the Thor Turbo Separator. This includes all kinds of packaging, from plastic to cardboard.
- Prepping: The materials are combined in a single bin, then crushed and opened to get them ready for separation.
- Separation: Inside the Thor, a 125-hoursepower motor drives 52 rotating hammers to break apart the packaging and food. It handles both wet and dry items—no pneumatic or hydraulic systems needed.
- Sorting: The system sends packaging to the dumpster for landfill and keeps the food waste, which we use to make nutrient-rich compost.
This system reflects our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible waste management.
