Indiana

The environmental, economic, and social consequences of food waste are felt both in the U.S. and around the world.

In the United States alone, about a pound of food per person per day is wasted, meaning major changes are required to achieve the nation’s goal of cutting food loss and waste in half by the year 2030.

While some federal regulations have been developed to address food waste at the national level, states have also started introducing their own regulations and programs to complement these efforts, with some states having more progressive laws than others.

With Indiana being one of the states working to improve its food waste management efforts, we have to ask: How big of an issue is food waste in Indiana? What are they doing to address it?

Keep reading to learn about Indiana food waste, how the Kingsbury Bioenergy Complex supports sustainability efforts, and the different food waste recycling solutions businesses can adopt.

Key Takeaways

  • In Indiana, there are no organic waste bans or waste recycling laws that bear on food waste, meaning the state requires increased initiatives and strategies to effectively manage and reduce food waste.
  • Local efforts like the Indiana Food Scrap Initiative are working to address the root causes of food waste, divert food from landfills, and improve the state’s food waste recovery infrastructure.
  • The Kingsbury Bioenergy Complex is an innovative Renewable Natural Gas facility located in La Porte, Indiana, expected to process 200 tons of organic waste daily, with a key focus of converting food waste into energy.
  • From composting and upcycling ingredients to turning waste into biogas or animal feed, there are various ways to manage and repurpose food waste. What’s important is that each business chooses a waste management solution that meets their unique needs and goals.

Understanding Food Waste in Indiana

In 2021, municipal solid waste in Indiana totaled 9.4 million tons, of which 75% went to landfills, 21% was recycled, and 4% was used for waste-to-energy. While this number includes a variety of materials, food waste is a large contributor.

There are a number of factors that contribute to food waste in Indiana, including overproduction, food waste from farms, supply chain inefficiencies, and restaurant waste—all of which contribute to pollution, resource depletion, and methane emissions.

In addition to the environmental consequences, food waste leads to financial loss, with Indiana households losing an average of $2,071 to food waste each year. This equates to 248 meals lost per person each year.

With 1 in 7 people in Indiana facing hunger, food waste is also a huge social concern. That said, better resource efficiency and improved donation efforts can help bridge the gap between hunger and surplus food.

As we’ll discuss below, Indiana’s food waste program isn’t as developed as some states, meaning they could benefit from stricter regulations to address the above concerns. However, there are local initiatives that are paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Indiana Food Waste Regulations

As mentioned, laws regulating food waste vary by state. In Indiana, there are no organic waste bans or waste recycling laws that bear on food waste. However, Indiana does have certain date labeling and manufacturing laws, such as requiring eggs to be labeled with a pack date and expiration date and regulations on date labeling for items like shellfish and foods in reduced oxygen packaging.

While Indiana requires stricter food waste regulations to address food waste, the USDA is doing their part to support better waste management by investing approximately $11.5 million in composting and food waste reduction projects in 23 states.

Part of this funding will be used to support a project in Gary, Indiana, which aims to establish a comprehensive residential waste management program. This program focuses on promoting sustainable household waste practices, reducing landfill waste, and fostering community engagement.

There are also local efforts like the Indiana Food Scrap Initiative that are dedicated to exploring the root causes of food waste and diverting as much food from disposal as possible. Not only are the stakeholders investigating the issue of food waste in Indiana, but they’re building strategies, identifying gaps and opportunities, and seeking funding to improve the state’s food waste recovery infrastructure.

So while we hope to see an increase in food waste regulations in Indiana, for now, the state relies on local initiatives, like the Kingsbury Bioenergy Complex, to make a difference.

Kingsbury Bioenergy Complex site
Source: Nexus W2V

Kingsbury Bioenergy Complex: Flagship RNG Facility in Indiana

The Kingsbury Bioenergy Complex is an innovative Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility that’s expected to be operational by the end of 2026. La Porte’s new facility will process 200 tons of organic waste daily, with a key focus of converting food waste into energy.

To accomplish this, the main technology will be the anaerobic digestion of waste, where the facility will generate biogas and inject the RNG into northern Indiana’s existing pipeline system. In addition to turning food waste into biogas, this process will also produce other coproducts like biochar, organic fertilizer, and compost.

Located about 70 miles outside of Chicago, the Kingsbury Bioenergy Complex offers the greater Chicago area and western Indiana a valuable solution to organic waste management. Local businesses in South Bend, Michigan City, and other surrounding areas can now access an effective waste management solution without having to worry about high transportation costs.

Overall, the Kingsbury Bioenergy Complex is a great example of how technology can transform waste into valuable resources, setting an example for sustainable energy practices.

At Shapiro, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be the exclusive provider of feedstock to the Kingsbury Bioenergy Complex. By sourcing high-quality organic feedstock, we’ll help support the facility’s sustainable energy production, contributing to cleaner energy solutions for the community.

Benefits of Managing Food Waste in Indiana

There are various incentives for Indiana businesses to enhance their food waste management strategies. This includes:

  • Economic Opportunities: Better waste management can result in cost savings for businesses. Why? Because strategies like waste reduction and recycling can lower disposal costs, help companies potentially gain food waste tax deductions, and even improve a business’ overall efficiency. Companies that prioritize sustainability can also attract more eco-conscious consumers, therefore supporting long-term growth.
  • Environmental Impact: Diverting food from landfills reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers contamination risks, and improves soil health through composting—all of which contribute to a healthier future.
  • Social Contribution: Businesses that improve their donation efforts can help reduce hunger in their community. This sets a great example for other organizations, encouraging them to get involved in local initiatives.

How Businesses Can Start Recycling Food Waste in Indiana

Reducing waste and improving recycling strategies has an array of benefits. However, many companies are unsure how to get started, as implementing company-wide changes can be a complex (and intimidating) task.

That said, here are 3 valuable tips to help you start your journey:

  • Conduct a food waste audit: Food waste audits help you identify waste sources and quantities, providing valuable insight into opportunities for reduction and improved sustainability practices. With the information from these audits, you can create more effective waste prevention strategies and track the progress of your approach more accurately.
  • Partner with a waste management company: When you partner with a waste management company like Shapiro, you can access tailored strategies that help you meet your specific business needs. This streamlines the entire waste management process, ensuring you stay compliant and achieve sustainability goals.
  • Choose the right waste management approach: There are various waste management approaches to choose from, with composting, anaerobic digestion, and recycling all being valuable options. While your waste management partner will help you choose the right one for you, it’s still important to know the differences between these approaches. Keep reading for more detailed information.
Managing Food Waste in Indiana
Source Unsplash

Food Waste Solutions for Indiana Businesses

If you’re looking for a waste management solution for your business, here are the top approaches to consider:

  • Recycling food waste: From composting and upcycling ingredients to turning waste into biogas or animal feed, there are various ways to manage and repurpose food waste. These solutions promote a circular economy, meaning businesses can increase resource efficiency, minimize their environmental footprint, and ensure unused food has a “second life.” And as mentioned, donating is always a great option, as it increases food security in your community.
  • Composting: Composting is a food waste management approach that converts food waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. In addition to reducing methane emissions, compost in Indiana can be used in a number of agricultural applications, helping to improve plant health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
  • Anaerobic digestion: Anaerobic digestion is a process that transforms food waste into biogas, a renewable energy source, and digestate, a nutrient-rich substance that can be used as fertilizer. When comparing aerobic vs anaerobic digestion, there are various differences, including their oxygen requirements, byproducts, energy production, and more. That said, Indiana anaerobic digesters are increasingly being utilized to generate renewable energy and manage organic waste more efficiently.
  • Waste reduction strategies: Strategies like food waste audits, advanced methods for tracking inventory, and the adoption of food waste technology can be used to minimize waste. Not only can this help businesses improve sustainability efforts but also enhance internal processes and cut costs.

Whether you want to implement a composting program for a mid- to large-sized business, address Indiana farm food waste, or explore the best solutions for small businesses, working with an experienced organic waste management company helps streamline efforts and ensure successful implementation.

The Bottom Line

Reducing food waste in Indiana should be a top priority for businesses of all sizes. By performing food waste audits, preventing waste at the source, and adopting an innovative food waste management solution, businesses in Indiana can do their part to contribute to a more sustainable future.

At Shapiro, we provide comprehensive waste management services, including the collection, transportation, treatment, and recycling of organic materials, to help you achieve your sustainability goals.

If you’re interested in exploring our tailored services or learning more about La Porte’s facility, contact us today.


Baily Ramsey, an accomplished marketing specialist, brings a unique blend of anthropological insight and marketing finesse to the digital landscape. Specializing in educational content creation, she creates content for various industries, with a particular interest in environmental initiatives.

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