Southfield Counts
Dumb problem.
Easy solution.
Food scraps don’t belong in the trash. Southfield is making it easier to turn them into something useful. Be part of the new Food Scrap Drop Off program—sign up today.
Southfield is stepping up to show that Every Bit Counts
About Every Bit Counts
About Make Food Not Waste
By partnering with Make Food Not Waste, Southfield is leading the charge to reduce food waste across homes, businesses, and local organizations.
Food waste is the world's dumbest environmental problem—but solving it is easy.
Why fight food waste?
When food ends up in landfills, our water, land, work, and transportation are wasted.
By stopping food waste, we can:
- Save money: The average household can save up to $2,500 a year by wasting less food.
- Support food security: 1 in 8 Michiganders don’t have reliable access to food. Redirecting extra food to those who need it can make a real difference.
- Improve our community: Cleaner air, soil, and water make Southfield a better place to live.
Working together as a community to reach zero food waste provides a clear, measurable goal and is something we can all contribute to easily, cheaply, and quickly.
By keeping food out of landfills, Southfield can expect the following benefits each year:
We're just getting started
In 2025, we're focused on raising awareness and motivating action.
Join hundreds of Southfield residents and take the pledge against food waste
I will buy less
So glad this is getting some attention! I compost my food scraps already. But not all residents can do that. And drop-off is not a practical solution for residents. A serious commitment to composting from the city would include curbside pickup, not drop off.
Prepare food as much you need
If not now When? Let’s go
Sounds great our home will domit
I will compost my scraps.
I pledge to always eat my leftovers!
This is a great program. Just think of all of the food that has been saved!
Every bite counts!
I love doing my part for the betterment of Michigan.
Thinking about food waste changed the way I shop and how much I save.
For residents
RESOURCES
For businesses & institutions
RESOURCES
For schools
Your actions count
Become an ambassador
Make an impact
Every bit of food saved makes a difference, and as part of our ambassador program, you’ll be a key player in reducing food waste and building a stronger, more sustainable community.
When you sign up, you’ll gain access to these exclusive benefits:
- Membership to the Beet Brigade newsletter
- Invitations to quarterly Beet & Greet happy hours to meet like-minded changemakers
- Special recognition on social media, in newsletters, and at events
- Full access to our food waste reduction guides
Take action with our guides
As an ambassador, you’ll gain full access to our action guides, with step-by-step instructions on how to:
- Advocate for residential compost pickup in your city
- Host a house party to spread food waste awareness
- Reduce waste at schools, holidays, and community events
- Encourage local restaurants to donate surplus food
- Table at events and activate neighborhood networks
Your actions count
More ways to spread the word
Download our social media toolkit
Order a physical toolkit
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Small actions, like saving food, create big change for our future
Join thousands of food waste champions commited to stopping food waste here in Southfield.
FAQ
How do I pick up my starter kit?
This can be picked up on the following dates/times __TBD__, and this optional starter kit includes a counter top caddy, BPI compostable liners, “Use it Up” tape, (a fridge magnet?), and a helpful quick start guide.
Where do I get more BPI Bag Liners?
The use of BPI compostable bag liners is optional. We will provide some in the starter kid.
Where do I get a replacement carbon filter for the countertop caddy?
For individuals receiving a starter kit, one carbon filter is included in the counter top caddy. The manufacturer recommends this is replaced every 3 months. You can purchase a replacement here: replacement. Please note that the caddy can be used to collect food scraps without the carbon filter, but regular emptying food scraps is recommended to prevent unwanted fruit flies.
How do I download the app and begin using the Big Belly Smart Collection Bins?
Google Play , Apple App Store. Search “Bigbelly Smart Compost”
What is happening with the food scraps that are being collected?
Food scraps collected will be transported by My Green Michigan to a registered site where they will be made into compost and sold. Materials are composted thermophilically, which allow for materials such as meat, bones and dairy to be composted (that cannot be properly composted in backyard compost bins). Moldy and spoiled food is also accepted.
Composting can happen on many different levels using a variety of techniques – Approaches to Composting | US EPA
Other drop off programs in the area offer the option to include other BPI certified compostable products at the drop-off. Why not this program?
This pilot is focused on keeping food scraps out of landfills, and composting food scraps should be considered a last resort. Ideally, we reduce edible food waste and primarily compost food scraps (the inedible parts of food such as bones, peels, and pits). We are addressing food rescue and composting food scraps in particular because of the methane gas that is released when sent to a landfill.
NOTE: The only other material accepted for this pilot is BPI compostable bags/liners as they are perfecting safe to use and help users adjust to the new habit of separating food scraps from the trash.
What are the benefits of keeping food scraps out of the landfill?
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) highlights that composting offers environmental, economic, and social benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills, rebuilding and enriching soil, sequestering carbon, creating green jobs, and improving local food systems. Composting also enhances soil’s ability to retain water, which helps protect against floods and droughts, and it lessens the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, fostering more sustainable agriculture and community resilience.
Additional information: Benefits of Composting – Institute for Local Self-Reliance & Food Waste and Methane: What’s the Connection?
What is compost?
Compost is the product manufactured through the controlled aerobic, biological decomposition of biodegradable materials. This product has undergone temperature changes, which significantly reduces the viability of pathogens and weed seeds and stabilizes the carbon such that it is beneficial to plant growth.
Additional information: MGM-Compost-101.pdf
How do I get compost to use in my garden or lawn?
Can I use a plastic bag to transport my food scraps?
Yes, you may use a traditional plastic bag to transport your food scraps to the drop off site if it is absolutely necessary. HOWEVER, the plastic bag MUST NOT be placed into the Big Belly collection bin. It is crucial that you throw the plastic bag in the garbage after emptying your food scraps into the bin.
What is the difference between BPI compostable bag/liners and traditional plastic bags?
BPI compostable bags are designed to break down completely into organic matter in a commercial composting environment, while conventional plastic bags persist in the environment, breaking down into microplastics and toxic polymers that contaminate soil and water. The key difference is their end-of-life fate: BPI bags need a commercial composter to break down within a specific timeframe, whereas plastic bags do not decompose and are environmentally damaging.
The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certifies bags that meet ASTM International standards for compostability, ensuring they break down in a commercial composting facility within a specific timeframe.
I don’t live in Southfield. Can I still participate in this program?
This pilot is limited to Southfield residents. We encourage you to connect with your city officials to inquire about a food scrap drop off program in your community.
List examples of food scrap drop off locations: Royal Oak, Ferndale, Wixom, Canton, Farmington. Share MFNW resources that they can use.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
info@makefoodnotwaste
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