LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Lansing’s local government has partnered with My Green Michigan and Hammond Farms to launch the Food Scraps Drop-Off Pilot Program , which aims to divert food from landfills and turn them into compost.
Food waste in landfills generates the greenhouse gas methane. Organizers hope that by lowering the amount of water in landfills, they can mitigate the impact of methane on the atmosphere and climate.
“Reducing food waste and organic material in landfills is one of the key goals in the City’s Sustainability Action Plan,” said Lori Welch, City of Lansing Sustainability Manager. “Providing convenient drop-off opportunities for residents is essential.”
The program is still in its pilot stage, meaning organizers will be exploring the best methods for collecting and processing the food. The first 200 registrants for the pilot program will receive a free 2-gallon bucket for food scrap collection.
Interested applicants can register here.
“We’re thrilled to provide food waste recycling services to the City, offering residents an effective way to divert food scraps to composting,” said Cliff Walkington, a partner at My Green Michigan. “This partnership demonstrates a proven approach for communities to implement food waste diversion. We look forward to expanding our efforts with the City of Lansing and the Office of Sustainability.”