Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Food Waste Reduction Case Study

Totemic Sustainable Solutions began its partnership with the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) in 2016 to address food waste management challenges by demonstrating the effectiveness of food waste dehydrators. The initiative ultimately led to the installation and continuous operation of multiple Ecovim Eco650 dehydrators.

Project Overview

Initial Demonstration at Rustburg Correctional Unit in 2016

• The project commenced with a month-long pilot at the Rustburg Correctional Unit using an Ecovim Eco250 dehydrator.

• This unit processed 150 to 250 pounds of food waste daily over a 15-hour cycle, reducing the waste volume by 80%.

• The resulting dehydrate was a dry, stable material, with removed water routed to a nearby drain.

• Facility staff incorporated the dehydrate into flower beds at a ratio of 15% dehydrate to 85% existing soil, demonstrating a beneficial reuse of the byproduct.

• The demonstration confirmed that dehydrators could operate reliably within an active correctional environment and provided VADOC staff valuable hands-on experience.

Expansion to Augusta Correctional Facility

• Building on the pilot's success, VADOC selected Augusta Correctional Facility for full-scale deployment of two Eco650 dehydrators in 2017.

• Operating two units allowed for continuous processing: one unit could run while the other was being loaded, maximizing efficiency.

• Together, the Eco650s could process up to 1,300 pounds of food waste per day, reducing it to approximately 260 pounds of dehydrate.

• The dehydrators were installed in 2017 and remained in operation until the facility’s closure in 2024.

Ongoing Support and Outcomes

• Totemic provided on-site maintenance and training for new operators throughout the seven-year program.

• The initiative offered “green collar” training opportunities to incarcerated individuals, supporting rehabilitation and workforce development.

• The dehydrate supplemented the facility’s garden and farm programs, promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of food waste.

• The Eco650 units are currently in storage, awaiting redeployment at another VADOC location, with interest from additional sites for similar solutions.

Broader Impact and Best Practices

• Food waste dehydrators, like those from Ecovim, can reduce food waste volume by up to 93%, are fully automated, and require minimal maintenance.

• Implementing such technology in correctional facilities reduces sally port use, supports sustainability goals, reduces landfill dependency, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

• Programs that engage incarcerated individuals in sustainability initiatives can foster responsibility, provide valuable skills, and enhance facility operations.

Conclusion

Totemic Sustainable Solutions’ collaboration with VADOC demonstrates a scalable, effective approach to food waste management in correctional settings. The use of food waste dehydrators not only beneficially reuses food waste  but also contributes to rehabilitation and skill-building for incarcerated individuals-offering a model that other facilities can emulate