Food waste is the largest component of the state and country's municipal solid waste. State data from 2015-16 shows that:
- Food makes up 17 percent of overall garbage, which includes residential, commercial, and self-hauled garbage.
- Food waste makes up 24 percent of residential garbage, 19 percent of commercial garbage, and 8 percent of self-hauled garbage.
- Good food is being thrown away. Edible food makes up 8 percent of overall garbage and 10 percent for both residential and commercial garbage.
Food recovery
The Environmental Protection Agency developed a Food Waste Recovery Hierarchy recommending ways to prevent and reduce wasted food.