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Composting
Region 5 Solid Waste Program
According to EPA’s Municipal Solid Waste in the United States 2007 Facts and Figures:
- Over eight percent of the waste that each person generates each day could be recovered for composting. That works out to over 140 pounds per person, per year.
- Yard waste and trimmings account for nearly 13% of municipal solid waste in the United States. This waste consists of grass, leaves, tree, and brush trimmings - adding up to approximately 33 million tons each year. Through composting, we can reduce the amount of yard waste that needs to be disposed of.
- Approximately 12% of the municipal solid waste in the United States is food scraps. While it may seem like a small percentage, it equals nearly 32 million tons per year. Like yard waste, food waste scraps can also be composted.
Composting these wastes creates a product that can be used to help improve soils, grow the next generation of crops, and improve water quality.
For more information on managing food and yard waste visit Common Waste and Materials/Organic Materials
To help reduce the amount of food and yard waste that needs to be disposed of, and develop markets for compost, Region 5 has supported the following activities:
Presentations and Photos
Region 5 Compost Based Storm Water Best Management Practices Webinar Presentations
Workshops and trainings on compost-related issues ...ONGOING
Region 5 is presenting a series of webinars on the use of compost as a stormwater best management practice. During these calls experienced users of these materials will provide information and insight from their experiences.
Using Compost to Improve Stormwater Management and Erosion Control On Roadsides; Roundtable & Living Field Demonstration -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. Stormwater and erosion control projects can use compost to establish vegetative cover, retain soil, and improve storm water outflows related to construction activities. Many involved in land and stormwater management have seen the benefits of using compost-based storm water and erosion control BMPs on projects across the country. Please visit the Roundtable webpage.
On-Line Meetings of Regional Organic Waste Regulators - COMPLETED
During the first quarter of 2007 EPA worked with regional states to develop a series of calls that updated states about the status of regulations across the region.
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
Chris Newman
77 W. Jackson Boulevard (DW-8J)
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 886-3585
E-mail: newman.christopherm@epa.gov