MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released its annual food waste report, including annual numbers and recommendations on preventing the issue from worsening.
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The DNR says its goal is to reduce per-capita food waste disposal in landfills by about 50% by 2030. Last year’s findings concluded that the vast majority (88%) of food waste in Wisconsin landfills is from residential (47%) and food service sources.
In 2023, a study found that 30% of the nation’s food supply goes unsold or uneaten, leading to over 3 million tons of surplus food generated, a $10.4 billion value of Wisconsin surplus, and 1,033 pounds of Wisconsin surplus food per capita based on ReFED estimates.
It was also found that just 30 of the 286 facilities licensed for composting in Wisconsin are approved to accept food waste. In addition, the study found that only 37 of the 122 anaerobic digestion facilities currently operating in Wisconsin accept food waste.
The food waste evaluation aims to support the goal of reducing food waste by detailing the amounts, types and sources of food waste in Wisconsin.
It also helps identify opportunities and barriers for additional food waste diversion, like analyzing existing capacity for food rescue and recycling, which are considered critical steps for improvement.
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This yearly study is funded through a 2023 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This grant also helped develop a statewide food waste reduction plan and provides technical assistance to businesses.
Click here to see the full study.
