City of Bloomington, IN | Climate Action Dashboard
© 2025
One of Bloomington’s ambitious goals in its Climate Action Plan (CAP) is to reduce the amount of solid waste going into the landfill by 30% from its 2018 baseline. A large part of this solid waste is organic—meaning it comes from food, yard waste, and other organic matter.
One of the best ways to divert organic waste from going into the landfill is to establish a composting program.
Composting offers numerous benefits, particularly in terms of sustainability. It enriches the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting healthier plant growth. Composting also aids in moisture retention, reducing water usage. By breaking down organic waste, composting cuts methane emissions from landfills, directly mitigating climate change impacts. Furthermore, composting supports the circular economy by recycling organic materials back into productive use, making it a cornerstone practice for sustainable waste management.
The City provides resources for residents around proper leaf management and mulching practices which help to ensure the best practices are followed which maximize environmental sustainability.
Goal WM 1. Increase landfill solid waste diversion by 30% of 2018 values (26,500 tons of waste reduction).
Metrics
Food waste diverted via the Multifamily Composting Program
As of 1/1/2025
Preventative Public Health
Composting and diverting organic waste from landfills reduces the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and its associated health risks. Additionally, composting minimizes the presence of organic waste in landfills, which can attract pests and lead to the proliferation of disease vectors, thereby safeguarding community health.
Adaptation & Resilience
Composting and organic waste diversion bolster community adaptation and resilience by improving soil health and fertility, which enhances the land's capacity to withstand and recover from extreme weather events. This organic approach fosters robust ecosystems that are more resilient to changes, supporting sustainable food production and local biodiversity in the face of climate variability.
| Action | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Increase the rate of recycling | |
 | Divert organic waste from going to the landfill |
