Food Waste Reduction and Composting

The SGA Food Waste Reduction and Composting program ignites collaborative action to decrease food waste, champion resource conservation and sustainability, and slash greenhouse gas emissions. SGA provides support and expertise to communities and institutions, empowering them to launch impactful programs that transform food waste into a valuable resource through food rescue, composting and waste reduction strategies.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction
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Members of SGA's food waste and composting networks
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Convenings of waste reduction advocates in SGA's networks
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Policies introduced at the state level related to food waste reduction or composting

Working Toward a World Without Wasted Food

Food is a valuable resource that should never be wasted. SGA focuses first on preventing wasted food through food rescue and redistribution strategies, building food access and equity through sustainability. SGA also provides support and expertise to communities and institutions, empowering them to launch impactful programs that transform wasted food into rich soil through composting. This work includes strategic planning, analysis, program design, outreach, education and more, supporting sustainability from the ground up. See our Food Waste Reduction and Composting Tools and Resources for more information.

Strategic Planning

Planning and Implementing Change

SGA helps municipalities, institutions, and other stakeholders with both strategic planning and implementation for food waste reduction. With key strategies and practices in place, communities and institutions can significantly reduce food waste and take big steps toward sustainability. View our Residential Food Scrap Composting Guide for municipalities for an example of this work.

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Convening & Collaboration

Coming Together to Reduce Waste

At the heart of SGA’s food waste reduction and composting work is bringing advocates together to get things done. Through meetings, webinars, conferences, and other gatherings, SGA convenes waste reduction advocates from around Chicagoland and beyond to share best practices and collaborate on impactful projects. 

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Outreach and Education

Learning Leads to Impact

SGA’s Food Waste Reduction and Composting program provides educational opportunities to a variety of stakeholders around Chicagoland. From teaching best practices to local advocates to providing resources for residents, SGA ensures communities have the information they need to take action to reduce wasted food.

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Working Together on Waste Reduction

SGA engages a range of partners, including municipalities, public institutions, businesses, and other nonprofits, to make waste reduction and composting as widely accessible and achievable as possible.

Become an SGA Partner

"The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) and SGA were brought together in 2011 to share experiences of coordinating curbside residential food scrap collection. SGA has been a catalyst for the advancement in food scrap composting in Illinois, continually securing grants to fund educational resources, training, and outreach to political leaders. SGA has also forged valuable partnerships with national organizations. Thank you for your leadership, partnership, and friendship!"

Christina Seibert, SWANCC