Community-based compost distribution program’s role in organic waste diversion and the circular food system

Abstract

Nearly one-third of the entire U.S. food supply is sent to landfills. As food decomposes, it emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas that fuels global warming. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more circular food system, states across the country are mandating food waste diversion from landfills through several mechanisms, includ­ing composting. In 2016, California passed Senate Bill 1383 (SB-1383), which requires organic (including food) waste diversion from landfills in part by mandating municipal procurement of recy­cled organic waste products. To comply with SB-1383, the city of Albany, California, established a Compost Distribution Hub in April 2023 in part­nership with an urban community farm to distrib­ute free compost to the farm and the community. This paper investigates the successes, challenges, and initial impacts of the Compost Distribution Hub in meeting SB-1383 requirements and contributing to a circular food system, as well as a circular economy more broadly. Through 26 semi-struc­tured interviews with implementing partners and community patrons and an analysis of the compost quality, we found the Compost Distribution Hub contributed to organic waste diversion require­ments, provided additional social co-benefits, and contributed to the broader circular economy by recycling non-food organic waste. However, it did not contribute to a circular food system, as it sourced compost made from green waste rather than food waste. It also was unable to provide community education due to insufficient funds. To maximize community and circularity benefits, com­post distribution programs must ensure that com­post is sourced from food waste, incorporate community education, and dedicate funding for the educational efforts.