Make an Impact
Food scraps contribute to numerous environmental problems that we face today.
Research shows garbage disposal use may benefit the environment by reducing the overall volume of waste taken to landfills.
In 2017, the U.S. generated a total of 268 million tons of municipal waste alone. Food scraps and food waste accounted for 15% of that. Composting and recycling programs took care of 2.1 million tons of food waste, which sounds like a lot until you hear 30.6 million tons went into the landfills.
That's the weight of 15 million cars, and just like cars, that food waste creates pollution. Each year, food waste is responsible for 18% of landfill methane emissions, or about 21 million tons of methane gas, equal to the emissions of 100 million cars. If food were a country, it would be the world's third-largest contributor to greenhouse gasses.
Since food waste is 75% to 90% water, it is a significant contributor to landfill leachate—the toxic liquid that ‘leaches’ from a landfill as trash decomposes. Uncover the real cost of waste.
Since food waste is 75% to 90% water, it is a significant contributor to landfill leachate—the toxic liquid that ‘leaches’ from a landfill as trash decomposes. Uncover the real cost of waste.
Stuck on where to start? Have a problem with your current compost pile? Pick up some tips and helpful information to get you going.
Stuck on where to start? Have a problem with your current compost pile? Pick up some tips and helpful information to get you going.