Repurposing Produce By-Products for Livestock Feed:

A Sustainable Solution for Businesses

In the food industry, waste is inevitable — but it doesn’t have to be a loss. Instead of sending surplus produce to landfills, businesses can repurpose these by-products into valuable livestock feed. This not only reduces disposal costs but also supports sustainable agriculture and provides farmers with cost-effective feed alternatives.

Why Repurpose Produce By-Products?

Every year, grocery stores, food processors, and restaurants generate tons of nutrient-rich produce by-products. Items like fruit and vegetable peels, pulp, and trimmings may no longer be fit for human consumption, but they can be redirected for animal feed. Repurposing these materials helps to:

• Reduce Waste Management Costs — Avoid landfill and organic collection fees while finding value in waste.

• Support Circular Agriculture — Keep organic material in the food chain, reduce methane emissions, and promote sustainable farming.

• Provide a Cost-Effective Feed Source — Farmers gain an affordable alternative to traditional livestock feed, lowering operational costs.

Suitable By-Products for Livestock Feed

While not all food waste is fit for animal consumption, many fruit and vegetable by-products are safe and valuable feed sources, including:

• Fruit Pulp & Peels — Apples, carrots, bananas, and citrus (in moderation).

• Vegetable Trimmings — Leafy greens, carrot tops, beet greens, corn husks.

• Spent Brewer’s Grains — A great protein and fiber complement to produce by-products.

• Surplus or Overripe Produce — As long as it’s not moldy or contaminated.

Implementing a Repurposing Program

For businesses looking to redirect produce by-products to livestock feed, WasteLink Partners helps design efficient, compliant programs that connect generators with agricultural partners.

Closing the Loop on Food Waste

Repurposing produce by-products isn’t just good for business — it’s good for the planet. By diverting organics from landfills and transforming them into livestock feed, businesses contribute to a sustainable food system that benefits both the environment and local farmers.

At WasteLink Partners, we help companies turn food waste into opportunity.

If you’re interested in repurposing your by-products or implementing a circular waste program, contact us today to start building a sustainable solution.

Reduce waste. Support farmers. Improve sustainability.