What Is Landfill Diversion?

Landfill diversion is the process of redirecting waste away from landfills and into more sustainable alternatives like recycling, composting, or repurposing. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal by minimizing landfill growth and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

There are several methods of landfill diversion:

  • Waste Reduction: Avoiding single-use products and opting for reusable alternatives.
  • Recycling: Processing materials like glass, paper, metal, and plastics into new products.
  • Thermal Treatment: Incineration, which can reduce waste volume but has environmental trade-offs.
  • Biological Treatments: Composting and anaerobic digestion break down organic waste into useful materials.

Many businesses and municipalities track their landfill diversion rate to measure progress in sustainability efforts. In the U.S., federal agencies are required to divert at least 50% of non-hazardous waste annually3.

National Landfill Diversion is an initiative focused on reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills by promoting composting, recycling, and repurposing. The organization emphasizes the environmental benefits of diverting compostable materials, which can help extend landfill lifespans and reduce methane emissions from decomposing food waste1.

Key Aspects of National Landfill Diversion:

  • Composting Focus: Roughly 50% of landfill waste could be composted instead, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Waste Repurposing: Diverted materials can be used for land reclamation and soil conditioning.
  • Methane Reduction: Food waste in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas, but diversion prevents this.
  • National Impact: The U.S. generates an estimated 150 million tons of landfill waste annually, making diversion efforts crucial.

Additionally, landfill diversion is a growing trend in waste management, with federal agencies required to divert at least 50% of non-hazardous waste annually. Businesses and municipalities are increasingly adopting zero-waste strategies to minimize landfill dependency and improve sustainability.

Contact National Landfill Diversion today to work with us.

 

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