Dive Brief:

• Several Illinois communities have implemented food waste reduction programs. Grayslake, IL has incorporated food composting into its new seven-year commercial hauling contract, while Gurnee, IL signed a deal to bring food waste pick-up to businesses and residential customers.
• The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, IL is on its way to reach its goal to divert 60% of household waste from area landfills by 2020. Since the current rate is stuck at 40%, food composting in Grayslake and Gurnee could push the county toward its goal.
• In Oak Park, IL, a pilot food composting program started in April 2012 encourages households to add food waste in with other organics for curbside collection. The local environmental services manager said the program began with 110 residences enrolled, and has expanded to over 600 households currently. Around 10 new residents sign up for the program per week.

Dive Insight:

Town officials in Oak Park estimate 20 pounds of food waste is created by an average household every week. The success of the program resulted in the program received approval from town trustees for another year of operation.