As Michigan develops Materials Management Plans (MMPs) and moves toward its goal of cutting food waste in half by 2030, municipalities are exploring practical ways to reduce and divert food waste from landfills. The City of Novi launched a compost drop-off pilot program and is using lessons from the pilot to inform future program implementation. To support this effort, CLC Fellow Atika Gupta developed an adaptable guide for Michigan municipalities interested in starting a pilot or permanent compost drop-off program. The guide incorporates Novi’s experience alongside practical examples, recommendations, and advice from municipalities across Michigan, highlighting approaches communities can adapt to their own needs as well as challenges they can proactively prepare for. The guide covers program planning, site selection, infrastructure and operations, communications and education, funding sources, and program management. By making these experiences and recommendations accessible, the guide promotes greater transparency and collaboration among Michigan communities working toward the state’s food waste reduction goals.

• Location: Novi, MI
• Project Team:
  • Atika Gupta (Fellow, University of Michigan)
  • Rebecca Runkel & Matt Heintz (Mentors, City of Novi)
  • Logan Applebee (Technical Advisor, HDR)
• Project Presentation (PDF)
• Project Deliverables:
  • Compost Drop-Off Program Guide (PDF) - includes links to communications materials in Canva, but be sure to make your own copy to edit!