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Composting
Region 5 Solid Waste Program
Studies show that home composting can divert 700 pounds of material per year from each household.
Yard waste and trimmings account for nearly 17% of municipal solid waste in the United States. This waste consists of grass, leaves, tree, and brush trimmings - adding up to approximately 31 million tons each year. Through composting, we can reduce the amount of yard waste entering the solid waste stream.
Approximately 6.7% of the municipal solid waste in the United States is food scraps. While it may seem like a small percentage, it adds up to over 13.2 million tons per year. Like yard waste, food waste scraps can also be composted.
Presentations and Photos
The Upper Midwest Roundtable on Using Compost to Improve Stormwater Management and Erosion Control
September 2007
8:30 AM to 4:15 PM
Retzer Nature Center
Waukesha, WI
Workshops and/or training on compost-related issues ...ONGOING
Region 5 is working with a number of stakeholders to develop a workshop in WI on the use of compost as a best management practice for Stormwater and Erosion Control (see related project below). In addition, the Region will be working with experts to provide technical assistance to state agency personnel on compost-related topics via web-based outreach efforts.
Upper Mid-West Roundtable and Demonstration of Compost Based Storm Water/Erosion Controls..COMPLETED
Many organizations and groups in Region 5 states are interested in promoting the use of compost on managed lands both as a way to improve soil and water quality and as a way to build market demand for high quality compost. Storm water and erosion control projects can use compost to establish vegetative cover, retain soil, and improve storm water outflows during construction activities and along highways. Compost quality certification programs are now available as well as affordable, and more compost producers are willing and able to demonstrate the quality of their product. Highway designers have design and engineering questions about using compost; these questions need answers before compost can be added to the list of approved materials for highway projects. We have seen the benefits of using compost-based storm water and erosion control BMPs demonstrated nationwide from Texas to Idaho to Minnesota. At this roundtable we will share success stories, connect this audience with the resources they need and answer their questions, so that they can make informed decisions.
On-Line Meetings of Regional Compost Regulating Authorities ONGOING
During the first quarter of 2007 EPA will work with regional states to develop a series of calls that will update states about the status of regulations across the region. The calls are also expected to cover several additional topics that the participants are interested in.
Regional Initiatives
For information on regional composting initiatives and recent grants awarded by Region 5, visit the Projects page.
For additional information on composting visit our State Contacts page.
EPA Region 5 Composting Coordinator
Susan Mooney
77 W. Jackson Boulevard (DW-8J)
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 886-3585
E-mail: mooney.susan@epa.gov