Dive Brief:

• The survey, conducted on behalf of the National Waste & Recycling Association, indicated that 77% of Americans understand the importance of creating a separate process for disposing of organic waste instead of combining it with household trash.

• It was discovered that 72% of Americans don't compost food waste, but 67% of those respondents would participate if it were convenient, although 62% would not be in favor of increased costs associated with recycling organic waste.

• 68% of those who do not compost using community programs would not be opposed to taking care of an additional bin if their local community started a composting program.

• 79% of those who had gardens or a yard would support using fertilizers, mulch and other materials made from food waste compost.

Dive Insight:

Sharon H. Kneiss, president and CEO of the National Waste & Recycling Association said that "increased conversion of organics into either compost or energy sources is an evolving trend in our industry… Challenges include the collection and transportation of food waste and the siting of food waste composting facilities more broadly. But a far greater hurdle inhibiting an organics revolution may involve a lack of understanding by the American public about the value of such a change."