SuperValu Aims for 300 Food Stores Diverting 90 Percent of Waste

The SuperValu grocery chain is aiming to have 300 of its stores divert at least 90 percent of their waste from landfills by the end of its fiscal year in February 2013.

The Eden Prairie, Minn.-based SuperValu said in a news release that will mean adding nearly 250 stores to the diversion goal, as part of the company’s effort to achieve zero waste.

The company said 54 stores achieved the 90-percent goal in this fiscal year, exceeding its goal of 40 locations.

 During the year SuperValu reduced more than 28,000 tons of landfill waste compared with a year earlier; increased mixed paper recycling by 98 percent, hard plastic recycling by 55 percent and nearly quadrupled the number of stores composting or diverting organic material.

SuperValu said it reduced waste costs by $3.4 million and increased recycling income to more than $36 million.

SuperValu operates nine retail brands nationally, including: Acme, Albertsons, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher's, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's/Star Market, Shop 'n Save and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy.