America’s Landfill Problem

Every year, millions of tons of waste are discarded in landfills across the United States. In 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that 146.1 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) were landfilled.

The largest contributor? Food waste, which made up 24% of total landfill waste—more than any other single material. Plastics followed at over 18%.

At the same time, efforts to reduce landfill waste are increasing. In 2018, 2.6 million tons of food waste were composted, and another 17.7 million tons were managed through alternatives such as bio-based processing, anaerobic digestion, and land application. While these methods are growing, the majority of food waste still ends up in landfills.

Finding sustainable disposal solutions is essential—not just for reducing landfill space but also for improving environmental and economic sustainability. Here are three alternatives that can make a real impact.

Composting: Turning Waste into Nutrients

Composting is one of the most effective ways to reduce landfill waste while benefiting the environment. By allowing food scraps to break down naturally, composting creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used in gardens, farms, and landscaping.

Despite its benefits, composting still accounts for only 4.1% of wasted food in the U.S. With more awareness and access to composting programs, this number could significantly increase. Whether through backyard composting bins or municipal programs, composting is a simple yet powerful solution.

Anaerobic Digestion: Converting Waste into Energy

Anaerobic digestion is a process that breaks down organic waste in a sealed environment, producing biogas and fertilizer as byproducts. The biogas can be used as a renewable energy source, while the nutrient-rich fertilizer benefits soil health.

This method not only keeps food waste out of landfills but also reduces methane emissions, making it an environmentally friendly alternative. Several cities and businesses are investing in anaerobic digestion facilities to create cleaner energy solutions.

Land Application & Wastewater Processing: Alternative Disposal Methods

In some cases, food waste can be directly applied to land to enrich soil. This method is commonly used in agriculture, where food scraps are incorporated into the soil to improve fertility. Additionally, some food waste is processed through wastewater treatment facilities, further reducing landfill dependency.

While not as widely known as other methods, land application and wastewater processing provide another avenue for diverting food waste from landfills.

Final Thoughts

Food waste accounts for nearly a quarter of all landfill material, yet sustainable alternatives exist. Composting, anaerobic digestion, and land application are all effective ways to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility.

In some cases, food waste can be directly applied to land to enrich soil. This method is
commonly used in agriculture, where food scraps are incorporated into the soil to improve
fertility. Additionally, some food waste is processed through wastewater treatment facilities,
further reducing landfill dependency.
While not as widely known as other methods, land application and wastewater processing
provide another avenue for diverting food waste from landfills.
Final Thoughts
Food waste accounts for nearly a quarter of all landfill material, yet sustainable alternatives
exist. Composting, anaerobic digestion, and land application are all effective ways to reduce
waste and promote environmental responsibility.