Sustainable Management of Organics
Prevention, Reduction and Alternatives to Disposal
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) 2020-2021 Statewide Waste Characterization Study found that organics such as wasted food, food scraps and yard waste make up about 30% of the waste stream going to landfills in Wisconsin. Organic waste is material that is biodegradable and comes from either plants or animals.
- Wisconsin's 2020-2021 Waste Characterization Study Reports and Images
- What is Ending Up in Wisconsin Landfills? Infographic
Diverting organics from disposal saves landfill space and reduces methane emissions from landfills. Recycling organics can transform the materials into resources like compost, a nutrient-rich soil amendment, or renewable energy through anaerobic digestion. Everyone can do their part to divert organics from landfills and redirect them to more sustainable outlets.
To conserve valuable resources and landfill space, Wisconsin's recycling law prohibits landfill disposal of yard materials (also called "yard waste"), including leaves, grass clippings, brush and pieces of wood (branches, sticks, etc.) under 6 inches in diameter.