Arizona is facing a significant challenge in managing food waste, with a staggering $9.5 billion worth of food wasted annually, placing it as a leader in food waste by volume. In response to this pressing issue, waste management professionals at COMPOST 2025 in Phoenix are spearheading efforts to mitigate food waste and promote sustainability. Over the past decade, the city has shown proactive measures, starting with PlanPHX, an initiative focused on growing the local food system and aligning with the broader 2050 sustainability goals set by Phoenix.
One of the city’s ambitious goals includes achieving a 50% waste diversion rate by 2030 and aiming for zero waste by 2050. Currently, Phoenix stands at a respectable 36-37% diversion. Amanda Jordan from Phoenix Public Works highlights these targets, emphasizing the need for continued dedication and innovative approaches to meet such high standards. Waste360, a key platform, provides comprehensive coverage on Arizona’s innovative solutions to food waste, sharing valuable insights, strategies, and success stories from leading experts in the field.
The journey towards building a sustainable composting infrastructure is far from simple and requires intricate planning and collaboration. The narrative surrounding these efforts underscores the complexity of the task, showcasing how different stakeholders, including government entities, local businesses, and community members, come together in the fight against food waste. By detailing various perspectives and success stories, the efforts of Phoenix and broader Arizona serve as a testament to the progress being made in sustainability and waste management, inspiring others to adopt similar measures in their communities.
