WHAT CAN I DO?
Individuals can lower their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions by
(1) backyard composting, which naturally decomposes organic waste and returns nutrients to the Earth, or
(2) donating their food waste as an energy source with the use of an anaerobic digester.
food waste diversion
in west lafayette
What's the issue?
When food waste is sent to decompose in a landfill, the waste undergoes anaerobic (without oxygen) decomposition and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, “landfill gas is responsible for 17 percent of US methane emissions.”
Source: https://archive.epa.gov/region9/organics/web/html/index-2.html
composting
One way to sustainably handle food waste is backyard composting. For more information on how to compost, check out the resources below.
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Info on backyard composting: PDF of handout and PDF of composting FAQs
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Donate unwanted compost to Lafayette community gardens: https://growlocallafayette.org/
Waste to Energy
The West Lafayette Water Resource Recovery Facility uses an anaerobic digester to capture methane emitted from organic material. Donate your food waste to increase the digester's energy production and decrease the city's dependence on fossil fuels!
1.
Collect your food waste at home
Separate your waste stream and collect food waste in a separate container at home. For a comprehensive list of what to collect, look down below!
Need a collection container? Pick up a free countertop bin or 5-gallon bucket at the West Lafayette Streets & Sanitation Department from 9am to 3 pm on weekdays!
2.
Take it to the community drop-off point
Dispose of food waste in the green toters labelled "food waste only."
Address:
West Lafayette Streets & Sanitation Department
705 South River Rd.
3.
Waste to energy!
Food waste is then taken to the anaerobic digester housed at the WL Water Resource Recovery Facility, and processed to generate electricity. Following the digestion process, the remaining sludge byproduct is distributed to local farms for fertilizer application.