Responsible Consumption and Production

Vermont Bans Food Scraps

Waste will need to be disposed of responsibly.

In a bid to reduce food waste, Vermont has become the first state of America to impose a legal ban on throwing food scraps into bins or landfill sites.

The act, in force from 1st July, prevents homeowners, restaurants and supermarkets from throwing away food and instead enforces a culture of composting.  Residents can also collect the scraps and either drop them to a collective point, or hire a company to pick them up.  The ban also includes garden material such as grass, leaves and wood.

The Agency of Natural Resources estimates that 20% of Vermont’s waste is made up of food scraps, which break down and release greenhouse gases such as methane.  San Francisco has a similar operation in place, however Vermont is the first to introduce the change through legislation.

Posted by Claire Edwards 6 July 2020

Related posts

How to Get Involved

Have you been inspired by our featured changemakers? Would you like to learn more, collaborate with others or discover how you can train in an environmental career?

Select from one of the options to find more information and start your journey as a Planetary Person!