As a key issue in 2026, collaborations, bin types, community engagement, and streamlined program implementation will make for a successful organics program. Following is a practical Q&A for municipalities.
By Matt Beeman
What is considered organic waste and why is recycling more important than ever?
In 2025, you likely heard quite a bit about organic waste, which includes biodegradable material that comes from plants, animals, and other living organisms and can naturally decompose through biological processes like composting. Because organic waste breaks down naturally, it can be recycled into compost or used to produce biogas, making it an important component of sustainable waste management for today’s communities.
When these materials go to landfills, they decompose anaerobically and generate methane, a short lived climate pollutant. Municipal solid waste landfills are the third largest source of human caused methane emissions in the U.S., and food waste is responsible for an estimated 58 percent of landfill methane released to the atmosphere. Diverting organics from landfills is therefore one of the fastest and most cost effective ways to reduce climate impacts.
Recent research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows methane from landfilled food waste is increasing even as overall landfill emissions decline, underscoring the urgency of organics programs.1
What do current statistics say about food and organic waste in the U.S.?
For context, let’s look at how food fuels organic waste in the U.S. The current statistics detail the large amount of food that goes uneaten and how this waste comprises a significant portion of what is disposed of in landfills:
• Scale of food waste: More than one-third of available food goes uneaten in the U.S., with the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimating 30 to 40 percent of the food supply is lost or wasted.2
• Landfill composition and methane: Food waste comprises 24 percent of what is disposed in landfills and causes more methane emissions than any other landfilled material, accounting for 58 percent of fugitive methane.1
Why are municipalities implementing organic waste diversion and recycling programs?
Municipalities consider organic waste recycling to help their community efficiently reduce food waste that goes to landfills thereby controlling landfill tipping fees and extending landfill life cycles, while making compost available to the community and surrounding businesses. Landfill tipping fees are rising and national averages climbed to about $62 to $67 per ton in 2024, and the cost to build and operate a new landfill can be hundreds of millions of dollars. Driving organics diversion will have a huge impact environmentally, socioeconomically, and economically on local communities.
What are some considerations municipalities should consider when looking at organic waste recycling?
Municipalities should look at their waste stream and volumes to understand the overall needs of the community. Then evaluate collection methods, including curbside, drop-off or hybrid. And, finally understand the financials, including current landfill fees, projected avoidance costs and total program costs.
What are the critical success factors for a municipal organics program?
Community and public education that defines organic waste, proper recycling practices, identifying the right collection bins, and a robust policy and enforcement plan.
What kind of metrics are municipalities using to measure success?
Early in the programs, participation rates are critical. As the program gains momentum, we see municipalities measure success by tracking diversion rates and cost per ton versus landfill tipping fees.
What are the most relevant product features municipalities look for in an organic waste recycling bin?
When selecting bins for curbside or commercial organics, we see municipalities and their hauler partners evaluate bins on features like automation-friendly design, capacity, bin durability, weather resistance, odor control, and resident-centric design features like ergonomic handles, robust wheels, and secure lids.
Why are partnerships so important?
Collaboration with partners, including haulers, city officials, community members, and bin providers, from the beginning, ensures open lines of communication, community engagement and streamlined program implementation. Organic waste recycling is certain to be a key issue throughout 2026 and beyond. Educating yourself about its importance and how it can impact your municipality will bring great benefit. | WA
Matt Beeman is Vice President of Sales for ORBIS Corporation. He is responsible for the growth of environmental waste carts and bins with municipalities and haulers to increase recycling and diversion rates. He and his team also work with retailers and CPGs across the U.S. and Canada to use reusable, sustainable packaging to move product in the supply chain. Matt can be reached at [email protected].
Notes
Quantifying Methane Emissions from Landfilled Food 91²Ö¿â | US EPA, www.epa.gov/land-research/quantifying-methane-emissions-landfilled-food-waste
www.usda.gov/food-loss-and-waste