Diverting food waste from landfills is a priority and challenge for many communities. Iowa and Wisconsin, two states close in proximity but differing in approach, are in the process of completing food waste management evaluations. These states have different infrastructure, regulations, collection systems, grant programs, public education, and political climates that impact how food waste is currently managed and what the future of food waste diversion could look like.

Iowa and Wisconsin received Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants to complete statewide assessments. The assessments were tailored to meet the specific needs of different regions and communities in each state. The research included  a variety of tools to collect data on existing programs and infrastructure while also conducting robust outreach about opportunities and challenges for managing food waste beyond landfill disposal.   

These two states face similar challenges to many other states. Both have densely populated areas and rural regions that are less populated and further from existing food waste management infrastructure. The strategies for diverting food waste in such regions must be tailored in approach and cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution.