Wisconsin county food scrap program sees success following launch

A new food scrap collection program in Dane County, Wisconsin, has enrolled more than 1,000 households and diverted more than 50 tons of food waste since its launch earlier this year, WKOW reports.

Dane County Executive Melissa Agard highlighted the success of the program during a news event July 21, where local officials and representatives from Purple Cow Organics, a Waunakee, Wisconsin-based composting company, joined her.

“This program is about climate action that starts at home,” Agard said. “By keeping food scraps out of the landfill, we’re reducing methane emissions, extending the life of our landfill and creating valuable compost for our community.”

Agard emphasized the importance of expanding the program, noting that “over 1,000 households joining in just the first few months shows the kind of community we have here in Dane County—folks ready to step up and do their part.

“This is just the beginning. We’re committed to growing this effort to reach even more families, schools, and businesses," she added.

The program offers drop-off sites for residents and a subscription model for businesses to divert food waste into composting, partnering with Purple Cow Organics to handle processing.

“This program doesn’t work without strong public-private collaboration," Agard said. "I want to thank Purple Cow Organics and all of our county staff for helping make it possible for residents to easily participate and know their food scraps are being put to good use."