Monroe County Executive Adam Bello's proposed 2025 budget includes a significant initiative. It would launch a trial program where school districts receive grants for programs aimed at reducing food waste sent to landfills. The budget allocates ,000 to fund this effort, with districts required to develop new or expanded food waste diversion programs and apply for matching grants up to ,000 per district.

Understanding Program Mechanics

Mike Garland, the county's Department of Environmental Services commissioner, emphasizes the importance of understanding how these programs work, especially in a pilot setting. "We really want to study and analyze these programs to determine their effectiveness and potential for wider implementation," he says. County legislators will vote on Bello's budget proposal in December, and a public hearing on the plan is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. on December 5.

School District Initiatives

The school district initiatives can take various forms. For instance, one district might choose to donate uneaten food to help those in need. Another might establish a composting program for food scraps. Garland encourages creative thinking among school districts, noting that it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. County officials hope not only students but also facilities and kitchen staff get involved. As Department of Environmental Services staff has seen through their recycling education efforts, students are receptive and can spread the word. "They bring that information back home, and it's passed down from grade to grade," Garland adds.

Connection with Climate Action Plan

This project aligns with the second phase of the county's Climate Action Plan, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions community-wide. Food waste generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as it decomposes in landfills. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food is the largest category of material sent to municipal landfills, accounting for more than half of methane emissions. In Monroe County, an estimated 119,270 tons of food waste were generated in 2010, which is more than the weight of a military aircraft carrier and amounts to 16% of the county's solid waste.

Seeking Feedback

The county is actively seeking feedback from three key groups: residents, farmers, and business owners. It is developing a plan to reduce organic waste like food scraps and lawn clippings and divert it from landfills. As part of this process, the county will review existing programs, policies, and regulations. Currently, three surveys have been launched: one for residents, one for farmers, and one for businesses. They can be accessed at monroecounty.gov/organics-management-plan. This feedback will guide the development of the plan and potentially lead to initiatives such as food scrap recycling and composting programs or different approaches to keeping yard waste out of landfills.