Study examines city composting as diversion method

Jan. 20 -- A new study released today, funded in part by the U.S. EPA, examines city-based composting as a method of waste diversion.

The Center for a Competitive Waste Industry examined composting programs in 121 U.S. cities in its study, "Beyond Recycling: Composting Food Scraps and Soiled Paper."

The 79-page report provides best practices for expanding beyond recycling and advice on processing food scraps and soiled paper.

Cities included in the study reported increases in overall waste diversion rates and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater pollution threats.

The study offers techniques used to reduce costs associated with composting and finds while food, soiled paper and yard trimmings make up half of household solid waste, up to 75% of this material can be composted instead of being sent to landfills.

Copies of the report are available at http://beyondrecycling.org/pdf_files/FinalReport.pdf

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Amanda Smith-Teutsch at 330-865-6166 or asmith-teutsch@crain.com