Detroit suburbs launch food waste reduction programs

Two metro Detroit communities have rolled out new programs to cut down food waste, part of Michigan’s efforts to cut its amount of landfilled food in half by 2030, according to a report from Metromode.

More than 2 billion pounds of food are dumped in Michigan landfills each year, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE).

The city of Wixom has launched a unique-to-the-area food scrap program, offering residents weekly curbside pickup for food waste. Food scraps are composted with yard waste for use in gardens and city projects. Wixom is partnering with Spurt Industries, Green for Life and Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of Southwest Oakland County to run the program.

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The city of Southfield has announced a strategic partnership with Make Food Not Waste, a Detroit-based nonprofit organization with a goal to divert 100 percent of food waste. The organization is analyzing best practices for food waste reduction nationwide and developing a plan for Southfield to implement in the fall. The group aims to replicate the pilot program in other cities.

“Efforts by Michigan cities are key to achieving Michigan’s food waste reduction strategy,” says Jeff Spencer, a manager in the EGLE’s Materials Management Division. “Southfield and Wixom are pioneers in this effort. EGLE expects other cities to follow in the footsteps of the work initiated by these progressive communities.”