A recent study from the University of California Rady School of Management found that out of the first five U.S. states to implement food waste bans, only Massachusetts was successful at diverting waste away from landfills and incinerators. The paper, published in Science, suggests a need to reevaluate current strategies and cites Massachusetts’ approach as a benchmark for effective policy implementation. Between 2014 and 2024, nine U.S. states implemented laws that made it illegal for commercial waste generators to dispose of food waste in landfills, with an expected waste reduction of 10-15%.
The study, conducted by researchers including Robert Evan Sanders and Fiorentia Anglou, found that the combination of waste bans in most states did not significantly reduce landfilled waste, with a maximum reduction of 3% in Massachusetts. The authors emphasized the importance of taking more action to make these laws effective, especially given that food waste contributes 8 to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers analyzed data from 36 U.S. states between 1996 and 2019 to evaluate the impact of the food waste bans implemented in California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
The researchers highlighted three key features of the Massachusetts food waste ban law that likely contributed to its success. These include having the best composting infrastructure network, the simplest language in the law with few exceptions, and robust enforcement through inspections. By using a variant of the synthetic control method to compare states with and without waste bans, the authors were able to estimate the impact of the bans on landfill waste diversion. Despite the expectation that banning 70% of commercial organic waste from landfills should lead to a 10% reduction in waste going to landfills, this was not observed in most states.
The researchers collected data from environmental state agencies in 36 states, covering the waste produced by 274 million Americans. While some states provided data on their websites, most of it had to be collected manually through public records requests and contacting state agencies. The authors highlighted the need for more than just implementing food waste bans to achieve significant reductions in landfill waste, pointing to the need for comprehensive coverage and effective enforcement. They recommended that other states learn from Massachusetts’ model and adapt their policies to meet environmental targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, the authors noted that California has taken a step in the right direction with the passage of SB 1383 in 2022, which requires every jurisdiction to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses. This legislation represents progress in addressing the issue of food waste and reducing environmental impact through more effective waste diversion strategies. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for reducing food waste and its impact on landfills, highlighting the importance of learning from successful models like Massachusetts’ food waste ban law.