Problem: Food is the single largest component taking up space inside US landfills, making up 22 percent of municipal solid waste (MSW). All told, the amount of food wasted in America has an approximate value of nearly $218 billion – the equivalent of 130 billion meals. Impact: Landfills produce methane emissions – one of the most potent greenhouse gases. Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 14.3 percent of these emissions in 2021. Change it: Start composting today to remove your food waste from landfills. Here’s a list of local compost vendors who offer compost pickup at your door: