Waste Reduction and Composting
Food and plastic waste create big environmental problems, piling up in landfills, polluting waters, and releasing greenhouse gases. That’s why SGA is committed to driving high-impact and scalable waste reduction strategies to make communities cleaner and more sustainable.
Getting Rid of Disposability
In nature, there is no waste, and this is the bold vision SGA has for building a truly sustainable community. We work with municipalities, private and public institutions, and other partners to launch and support programs that reduce waste and promote recycling and composting, moving away from disposability.
Food scraps aren’t waste, they’re a resource. SGA helps municipalities and institutions adopt composting programs that transform food scraps into rich, healthy soil that can be used from backyard gardens to school gardens, and beyond.
School cafeterias are an enormous source of food and plastic waste, which is why SGA is committed to supporting schools to work toward zero waste. Our programs help schools become more sustainable, while teaching kids waste reduction habits that can last a lifetime.
SGA prioritizes collaborations and partnerships, providing pathways for connections that help zero waste projects scale, ensuring our work toward less waste has a big impact.
A World in Which Waste is Eliminated
SGA’s programs provide support, guidance and expertise to community stakeholders of all kinds to reframe their relationship to waste, from prevention, to recycling and reuse, to transforming waste to a resource.
Programs
Food Waste Reduction and Composting
Our Food Waste Reduction and Composting program helps municipalities and institutions implement food rescue and composting programs, recognizing that food is a valuable resource, not refuse.
Zero Waste Schools
Schools are a major source of food and plastic waste, but our ZWS program helps schools reduce cafeteria waste, often by 80-90%, and become more sustainable.
Collaborations
Wasted Food Action Alliance
The Wasted Food Action Alliance connects food waste activists around the Chicago area, supporting composting and food rescue solutions for communities, institutions, and beyond.
Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition
IFSCC supports research, programs, education and policy initiatives related to food waste reduction and composting.
Cross Community Climate Collaborative
C4 provides a platform for municipalities and public institutions to connect and share sustainable practices and projects, like reducing plastic waste and implementing composting programs.
Partnering for a Waste-Free Future
SGA works with a variety of partners to help communities and institutions achieve zero waste goals. From solid waste agencies, to nonprofits, to private waste haulers, we’re working together toward a more sustainable future.
