MADISON, Wis. – Dane County is celebrating a big win for the environment with its new residential food scrap collection program.
So far, over a thousand households have joined in, helping to divert more than 50 tons of food waste from the landfill. That’s a significant achievement!
County Executive Melissa Agard highlighted the importance of taking action on climate change. She stated, “By keeping food scraps out of the landfill, we’re reducing methane emissions, extending the life of our landfill, and creating valuable compost for our community.” Methane, produced when organic waste decomposes in landfills, is a potent greenhouse gas. Reducing it is crucial for a healthier planet.
Agard is excited about expanding the program. “We have a community ready to step up and do their part,” she remarked. “This is just the beginning.” The aim is to involve more families, schools, and businesses in the effort.
A key part of this initiative is the partnership with Purple Cow Organics. Agard noted the importance of collaboration: “This program doesn’t work without strong public-private collaboration.”
Residents have access to drop-off sites, while businesses can opt for a paid subscription to ensure their food waste is composted. This makes it easy for everyone to participate.
Such programs align with a larger global movement toward sustainability. According to recent statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency, food waste accounts for about 22% of the total municipal solid waste. Programs like Dane County’s not only help reduce this number but also promote community involvement.
If you’re curious about the program or want to see how you can get involved, you can find more information here.
Efforts like these in Dane County are part of a growing trend where communities worldwide are working collaboratively to tackle environmental challenges.
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Dane County,new food scrap collection,Wisconsin,Melissa Agard