CVWMA supports efforts to keep uneaten food and organic waste out of landfills.
Why? Because these activities can achieve significant environmental, public health and economic benefits.
For years, CVWMA has worked with its regional partners to provide recycling programs for organic waste like tree limbs, brush and real Christmas trees. These are ground into a mulch-type product to be reused in the landscape.
Now, CVWMA is turning attention to the issue of food waste.
Facts on Wasted Food
- The EPA estimates that the average U.S. family of four wastes $3,000 annually on food that is never eaten.
- Wasted food accounts for approximately 25% of the material in landfills.
- The decomposition of food in landfills leads to the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- When food is landfilled, it prevents valuable nutrients from cycling back into our soils.
Ways to Waste Less
- Plan and prepare meals that are likely to be consumed.
- Before shopping, look in the cabinet or fridge for ingredients that need to be used up.
- Properly store fruits and vegetables to maximize their life.
- Eat leftovers.
- Donate uneaten food to local charities or food banks.
For more tips, see the EPA’s “Too Good To Waste” Toolkit.
Coming in 2025: CVWMA Food Waste and Compostables Drop-off Program
If food can’t be consumed, another way to avoid the landfill is to compost it.
In the summer of 2025, CVWMA will partner with NOPE Composting Co. on a food scraps and compostables drop-off program.
The City of Richmond, Chesterfield County and Henrico County will be the initial participants.
CVWMA will issue these localities 65-gallon carts to be placed at convenience centers and other sites for public use. The carts will be purple with lime green lids.
Much of Richmond’s existing compost initiative through Richmond Grows Gardens will be rolled into the new CVWMA program.
Sign up for announcements
For updates about this new composting program, follow CVWMA on Facebook or sign up for Waste Reduction News.
Helpful links:
Types of Composting and Understanding the Process (U.S. EPA)
Sustainable Management of Food (U.S. EPA)
Compost and Compost Use ( Virginia Cooperative Extension)
Composting at Home and at School (U.S. Composting Council)
International Compost Awareness Week