Every day, millions of pounds of food end up in landfills — even though much of it could have been donated, rescued, or composted. At Peninsula Food Runners, we work to ensure edible food reaches people who need it most. But what happens to food scraps and inedible leftovers?

That’s where composting comes in.

When food waste is sent to landfills, it breaks down without oxygen and produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting gives food scraps a second life by turning them into nutrient-rich soil instead.  

Composting helps:  

• Reduce landfill waste
• lower greenhouse gas emissions
• improve soil health
• support gardens and local agriculture
• Create a more sustainable food system.

Even small actions at home can make a meaningful difference.

Many everyday kitchen scraps can go into a compost bin, including:  fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, eggshells, bread, and yard trimmings and leaves.

Items like meat, dairy, oils, and heavily processed foods may depend on your local composting program, so it’s always helpful to check local guidelines.

At Peninsula Food Runners, we believe the best outcome for surplus food is feeding people. Safe, edible food should always be rescued and redistributed whenever possible.

Composting is an important next step for food that can no longer be consumed. Together, food rescue and composting help reduce waste and lessen the environmental impact of our food system.