Food Waste Bans: Why Most U.S. States Are Falling Short on Reducing Landfill Waste

The issue of food waste is a significant contributor to climate change, with over a third of the U.S. food supply going uneaten. Food decomposing in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. To address this, some states have implemented food waste bans, requiring commercial food suppliers to compost or donate waste instead of sending it to landfills. However, a new study published in Science reveals that these bans have had limited success, with one notable exception.

Researchers examined the first five states to enact such bans California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Massachusetts and found that, on average, the laws only reduced landfill waste by 1.5% between 2014 and 2018, far short of the expected 7-18% reduction. They attributed this shortfall to factors like weak enforcement and exemptions that made compliance difficult.

Massachusetts, however, saw a 7% reduction in landfill waste, which the researchers linked to its robust food waste processing infrastructure and clear, enforceable regulations. The state also had fewer exemptions and enforced the law with inspections and fines. Other states lacked these critical elements, leading to less effective outcomes.

The study’s authors emphasize that while these laws didn’t initially meet their goals, some states, like California, have since improved waste management by providing more accessible organic waste collection and increasing enforcement efforts.

This research highlights the complexities of tackling food waste and suggests that stronger infrastructure, clearer regulations, and enforcement are essential for such policies to succeed in reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.