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The article focuses on a study by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) highlighting the significant amount of paper and cardboard waste that ends up in landfills across the U.S. Topics include the economic and environmental implications of this waste disposal method, the geographical distribution of landfilled paper and cardboard waste.

A peer-reviewed paper published in Nature Cities claims that urban agriculture has six times the carbon intensity of conventional agriculture. The paper is based on survey results from gardens in France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. The authors used a model called Ecoinvent to calculate emissions, but the assumptions in the model were not shared. The study found that urban farms had lower emissions than traditional agriculture within three years of establishment, while individual and collective urban gardens had higher emissions. The paper acknowledges the benefits of urban agriculture, such as better eating habits and a connection to nature and neighbors, but suggests that current practices may need improvement. [Extracted from the article]

A recent White Paper commissioned by the Minnesota Composting Council (MNCC) highlights concerns over the lack of standardized compost used in state projects. Issues such as inconsistent quality, immature compost, and the presence of invasive species have led to hesitation in using compost. The paper recommends establishing a compost certification program to ensure quality and suggests adopting the national definition of compost approved by the American Association of Plant Food Control Officials. The MNCC is in discussions with the MN Crop Improvement Association to move these recommendations forward. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has committed to updating regulations for how landfills monitor, capture, and control methane emissions. The EPA is collecting information on new technologies and approaches that could be incorporated into updated rules for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. The agency is working on a series of white papers to inform the proposed regulations, covering topics such as gas capture systems, aerial monitoring for methane, and incentivizing organics diversion. The new rules are expected to be issued in 2025. [Extracted from the article]

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released the "2023 Vermont Waste Composition Study" in May 2024, which found that the percentage of food scraps disposed in municipal solid waste (MSW) decreased slightly from 2018 to 2023. However, the tonnage of food waste disposed decreased by 13%, indicating the effectiveness of the mandated food waste disposal ban. The study also revealed that the current waste stream composition is similar to the 2018 results, with organics, paper, and special/other materials being the most prevalent in landfills or incinerators. The study estimated that over 43% of the MSW waste stream in Vermont is not currently divertible, while 24% is potentially divertible through alternative recycling programs. The study also made a first-time estimate of Vermont's food waste recovery rate, which is believed to be at the high end compared to other states in the United States. The report provides more detailed information on residential food scrap management and the disposal of institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) food waste. The study concludes by discussing the transportation of organics and estimating the amount of food scraps being diverted to out-of-state facilities or in-state uses that are not reported to the Vermont DEC. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that grease-proofing materials containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are no longer being sold for use in food packaging in the U.S. This decision eliminates a major source of dietary exposure to PFAS from items such as fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take-out containers, and pet food bags. The FDA engaged with companies in 2020 to cease sales of these substances following a safety assessment, and the voluntary commitment by manufacturers to phase out the use of PFAS in paper and paperboard food packaging products was influenced by research conducted and published by FDA scientists. [Extracted from the article]

A paper published in November 2023 in Environmental Health Perspectives discusses the potential presence of contaminants in compost produced from urban food and yard waste, such as pesticides, lead dust, and PFAS. The research team conducted case studies in Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, and New York City, examining waste-to-compost activities and legislation. The authors argue that inequities in composting practices are partially due to historical marginalization and loss of land, leading to food inequality among communities of color. They recommend that cities address these inequities by providing multilingual and multimedia communication and education about composting, and by engaging with volunteer garden coordinators and community organizers to advocate for the needs of community farmers and growers. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the initiation of a pilot residential food scraps collection program by the Division of Waste Services in Nashville, Tennessee, involving 750 single-family homes since October 2023. Topics include the program's weekly collection by Compost Nashville, the inclusion of soiled paper and BPI-certified compostable products, and the motivations behind the pilot as part of Nashville's Zero Waste Master Plan to increase waste diversion and address limited landfill capacity.

This document discusses the importance of measuring and managing waste to achieve change, specifically focusing on organics diversion programs. It provides historical data on waste streams in New York City and includes tables and figures showing the composition of residential waste and organics in the city. The document emphasizes the need for better performance analytics and recommends freely accessible datasets and well-established methodologies for program evaluation. It concludes by highlighting various initiatives and programs aimed at diverting organics from landfills, based on official reports and studies conducted by the NYC Department of Sanitation. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the issue of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) exposure and its connection to sewage and biosolids. It criticizes a New York Times article for lacking factual information about everyday exposure to PFAS. The author emphasizes that PFAS exposure is not limited to wastewater treatment plants or biosolids, as these chemicals are found in various products and environments. The article highlights the importance of understanding the different sources and pathways of PFAS exposure to effectively address the issue. [Extracted from the article]

The National Academy of Sciences has released a report exploring the connection between soil health and human health. The report suggests that healthy soil contributes to healthy people, although the relationship is not well understood. While organic food is often seen as a way to promote soil health, the reality is more complex. The report also highlights the importance of compost and biosolids in improving soil health, but raises concerns about contaminants in these materials. The Organic Certification program, which sets standards for organic food production, may need to be reevaluated in light of new understandings of soil health. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the topic of bioplastics and their potential benefits and challenges. Bioplastics are plastics made from organic materials other than petroleum and can be engineered to decompose. However, the decomposition of bioplastics depends on the environment and can vary. There are different types of bioplastics, each with its own properties and decomposition rates. While bioplastics offer some hope for composting, there are concerns about their energy-intensive production and potential impact on food production. The article also highlights the need for compatibility between the composting industry's definition of compostable and the bioplastic manufacturers' definition. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the concept of reciprocity with nature and the potential benefits of using biosolids and composts as tools for giving back to the environment. The author, Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, emphasizes the importance of taking only what is needed and leaving some for others, while also recognizing and respecting the animate beings in nature. The author suggests that biosolids and composts can be viewed as valuable resources that provide important soil nutrients and contribute to the natural cycle. The article highlights the positive effects of using these materials in restoring polluted sites and promoting plant growth. The author concludes by advocating for a shift in perspective and providing individuals with the tools and motivation to contribute to environmental solutions. [Extracted from the article]

New York City's curbside organics collection program, which began in Queens in 2022, allows residents to use any labeled bin with a lid for their setouts and accepts various types of organic waste. However, the program has faced challenges, with a low capture rate of 4.3% in 2023. The article raises concerns about the program's effectiveness, citing a lack of transparency in reporting and a discrepancy between the city's claims and actual results. The author emphasizes the importance of accurate data, community input, and ongoing communication to improve the program's design and address the unique challenges of different neighborhoods. [Extracted from the article]

The Composting Consortium, led by the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, has released a report on the challenge of contamination at composting sites in the US. The report includes data on the amount of contamination at composting facilities and the costs associated with managing it. Key findings from the report include the prevalence of conventional plastic as the most common contaminant, the persistence of plastic in finished compost, the significant impact of contamination on operating costs, and the lack of detectable amounts of compostable packaging in finished compost. The study serves as a reference point for future research and investment in composting solutions. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest version of the Waste Reduction Model launched in 1998, and invites public comments until February 9, 2024. Topics include the purpose of WARM in providing comparisons of greenhouse gas emissions reductions for various materials management practices, and the EPA's interest in input regarding the representation of diverse management practices and improvements in clarity and usability.

Minnesota's Pope and Douglas counties have partnered to create a food scraps composting facility in order to divert food waste from their waste-to-energy plant. The Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management (PDSWM) facility currently receives 80,000 tons/year of municipal solid waste (MSW) from a 7-county area, which is sorted and combusted at their Resource Recovery Facility. PDSWM received a grant to develop source separated organics (SSO) collection, and after a pilot program, they have established nine drop-off sites for residential food scraps. They have also built an organics transfer facility and are in the process of constructing a phased-in composting facility called the Glacial Ridge Composting Facility. The facility is designed to process 6,500 tons/year of SSO once fully built out. PDSWM aims to increase compost availability locally and potentially supply the Minnesota Department of Transportation for highway projects. They are also considering implementing an ordinance requiring commercial and institutional generators to source separate their food scraps for composting. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a New York Times headline that claims that fertilizer made from city sewage is poisoning America's land with toxic substances. However, the author argues that the article is sensationalist and unbalanced, focusing on a small intersection of municipal wastewater and contamination. The author points out that perfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) are found in many everyday products and that biosolids contain lower levels of PFAS compared to other sources like dust and cosmetics. The author suggests that the focus should be on the companies that make these chemicals and limiting their use. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by WRAP, a waste reduction nonprofit in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with behavior change researchers SKIM, explored the effectiveness of kitchen countertop food scrap caddies in reducing food waste. The research found that using these caddies can lead to lower household costs and increased mindfulness about food waste. However, the study also revealed that many users were unclear about the compostability of caddy liners, and the lack of robust liners was associated with low rates of caddy usage. To address this, WRAP recommends regular communication campaigns and visual cues on caddies to maintain awareness of food waste. The study also identified four key opportunities to reduce food waste through the caddy system and beyond, including boosting saliency among users, connecting food waste to the cost-of-living crisis, nudging consumers throughout the food waste management process, and providing regular feedback on the impact of food waste recycling. Overall, a multi-faceted approach combining individual actions, education, retail sector changes, community initiatives, and targeted incentives is likely to be most effective in reducing household food waste. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides an overview of the compost market, categorizing it into traditional and emerging markets based on dollar and volume. It discusses the barriers to the growth of the compost market, including physical/chemical, economic, and societal factors. The article also explores different market stimulation models, such as government initiatives and incentives for compost use in agriculture. It mentions the role of carbon credits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and highlights voluntary programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Indigo. The impact of compost on carbon emissions is discussed, along with examples of compost use in stormwater runoff programs and soil improvement mandates. The article suggests shorter-term programs to stimulate the compost market and emphasizes the importance of marketing efforts and government incentives. [Extracted from the article]

Compost Queen PBC in Ft. Collins, Colorado is a decentralized food scrap composting infrastructure that collects food scraps from households and commercial accounts and composts them at several locations in Ft. Collins. They offer biweekly food scraps collection or drop-off sites for residents, with a growing number of accounts. Commercial food scrap collection began in January 2024, and the company plans to double the number of accounts by the end of the year. Compost Queen has three composting sites in Ft. Collins, including one at a botanical garden, and operates under a permit that allows them to compost up to 20 cubic yards of feedstocks at a time. They are considering applying for a permit that would allow them to compost up to 5,000 cubic yards of feedstocks. [Extracted from the article]

Italian municipalities have made a commitment to separate the collection of organic waste, including food scraps, and have integrated the use of compostable plastics into their recycling programs. This approach reduces the need for intensive waste treatment and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. Italy is one of the top-performing EU member states in recycling municipal solid waste, with around 65% of waste being separately collected and sent to recycling facilities. The collection of food waste has doubled between 2010 and 2022, while yard trimmings collection has increased by less than 20%. Compostable plastics are effectively disintegrated during the recycling process, preventing contamination of the final compost. Italy adheres to strict standards for compostable plastics, ensuring high recycling rates and minimal contamination. Approximately 1.9 million tonnes of compost are produced annually in Italy, with 35% carrying a quality label. The compost market is predominantly local, with most sales occurring near the facility. [Extracted from the article]

Compost Crew, a composting company based in Rockville, Maryland, has announced a merger with Key City Compost, a similar company based in Frederick, Maryland. The two companies have collaborated in the past and share a commitment to collecting residential and commercial food scraps. With over 21,000 residential customers and 600 commercial accounts, they recycle close to 15,000 tons of food scraps per year. The merger will allow for the expansion of Key City's composting facility and the development of more Compost Outposts®, decentralized food scrap composting systems. The companies also plan to increase their municipal service contracts to further reduce food waste in landfills. [Extracted from the article]

Plastic waste is a significant environmental issue, with an estimated 34 million tons generated annually, the majority of which ends up in landfills or oceans. Recycling rates for plastic are low, with only about 9% of plastic waste being recycled. Different types of plastic have unique properties that make recycling challenging, and the most common approach is mechanical recycling, which involves shredding and heating the plastic to make new products. Chemical recycling, which breaks down the plastic into its monomers, is a more expensive but potentially promising method. The United States lags behind Europe in plastic recycling rates, and recycling practices can vary by location. While efforts to reduce plastic waste are important, living a completely plastic-free life is not practical for most people. [Extracted from the article]

The City of Buffalo, New York has implemented residential food scraps initiatives to promote composting and reduce waste. The city established drop-off locations for food scraps at farmers markets and retailers, which have now become permanent year-round locations. In 2023, 96,600 lbs of food scraps were collected through the drop-off program. Additionally, the city launched a one-year pilot program for curbside food scraps collection, with 1,882 households participating. The program accepts all food scraps except meat and bones, and households are serviced weekly. [Extracted from the article]

Kaicycle, a composting organization based in Wellington, New Zealand, has developed the Living Compost Hubs App to manage their composting and customer needs. The app allows users to track feedstock characteristics, experiment with recipe development, and access recipes shared by other organizations. It also tracks temperature, capacity, and the amount of food scraps composted. The app is currently being tested in New Zealand and plans to launch internationally, including in the United States. The goal is to make the app financially sustainable through subscription fees. [Extracted from the article]

California Wood Recycling, also known as Agromin, is expanding its composting facility in Santa Paula, CA to include food waste processing. The permitting process for this transition has been challenging and time-consuming. The facility will undergo various site improvements, including better access, construction of impermeable surface areas, and the addition of utilities. Agromin received a $10 million grant to install a composting system and expand the facility. The new facility will accept primarily residential organics and will serve all 10 cities in Ventura County. The project is expected to divert a significant amount of food and green material from landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and provide free compost for community projects. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the opening of a new food scraps composting facility in Roanoke, Virginia, which collects material from both curbside households and drop-off customers. Topics include the establishment of the composting facility on a property previously owned by the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-Op, the process of obtaining permits and approvals from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the operational setup of the composting facility.

The article focuses on The Recycling Partnership's release of the "State of Recycling" report, revealing that only 21 percent of recyclable material is being recycled in the U.S., with 76 percent of the lost material occurring at the household level. Topics include the challenges related to recycling access and household engagement, the current participation rate of 43 percent, and strategies suggested by The Recycling Partnership.

The article focuses on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) October 2023 report on methane emissions from landfilled food waste, emphasizing that the report conclusively states that landfilling food scraps generates substantial methane. Topics include the use of older data in the report, highlighting the EPA's reliance on outdated estimates and emphasizing the need for more current and realistic data to address the significant environmental impact of methane emissions.