What We Do

Since 2018, we have diverted over 485,000 pounds of organic material from landfill disposal.

That may seem like a lot, but it’s not.

Well how’d you figure that?

In 2021 the Portage County Solid Waste Department took in 31,000 tons of garbage. Nationwide, according to a study conducted by the EPA on 2018 municipal solid waste (MSW), food waste was 21.6% of total waste generation. In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) collected data via a statewide waste characterization study over 2020 and 2021. The full report can be found here, and is pretty fascinating. You can also get an overview of the report on this page, which we recommend checking out. The study goes into important detail, like making the distinction between food that went uneaten and was then wasted, versus food scraps that represent discards of eaten food.

Diverting organic material from landfill disposal doesn’t just extend the life of the landfill. It also prevents the generation of methane, a greenhouse gas almost 30 times more detrimental than carbon dioxide.

“Organic waste – materials such as food and yard waste – was the largest category of waste found in landfills statewide. Specifically, wasted food, which is formerly edible food that was spoiled or discarded without being eaten, was the largest component at 14.5%, and inedible food scraps, such as banana peels, was the third largest at 6%. Combined, these food wastes make up double the percentage found in a previous Wisconsin landfill study conducted in 2009.”

Composting makes a difference

That 400,000+ pounds that Bucket Ruckus has diverted from landfill disposal translates roughly into 188,109 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents (lbs CO2e). You can also think of it as gallons of gas…that’s like 9,598 gallons of gas never having been used.

Not only is composting great to reduce our dependence on landfills and mitigate greenhouse gas generation, but it is a great amendment to your soil for growing flowers, vegetables, or just to create a healthier soil ecosystem. Some benefits include:

  • increases moisture retention

  • can suppress plant diseases and pests

  • increases organic matter

  • supports beneficial bacteria and fungi

If you want to learn how to compost at home, feel free to reach out! Backyard composting can be easy, but it can also be a more involved project that provides great opportunities to learn about nature (if you want it to be!). Another great resource for home composting information and education is local nonprofit Recycling Connections. Bucket Ruckus works with Recycling Connections on providing Near-Zero Waste event services, so you can also reach out to them if you want to have our compost bins at your wedding, party, or other event.

Composting food scraps and other organic material is a great habit to build into your life, especially if you have a goal of being more sustainable or reducing your waste output. But don’t stop there! Recycling can be a great tool but it is up to us as consumers to recycle right. If we don’t, we may end up doing harm to the system. For Portage County residents, we highly recommend that you follow the Portage County Solid Waste Department on social media for excellent tips on how to recycle right, and updated information about what to recycle and what not to recycle.