{"id":124808,"date":"2024-12-10T16:05:52","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T19:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=124808"},"modified":"2026-01-16T14:01:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T17:01:49","slug":"compost-survey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/compost-survey\/","title":{"rendered":"Fighting Food Waste: 2025\u2019s Best Cities for Composting + U.S. Survey"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Composting isn\u2019t small potatoes anymore. Nearly half of U.S. residents say they let Mother Nature recycle kitchen and yard waste for use in their own or their friends\u2019 gardens.<\/p>    <p>With a new year for setting resolutions around the corner and numerous cities (and California) looking to hit a zero-waste target in 2025, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\">LawnStarter<\/a> surveyed over 2,100 U.S. residents on their composting habits and opinions and ranked 2025\u2019s Best Cities for Composting.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>For the city rankings, we compared the 500 biggest U.S. cities based on 5 categories. More specifically, we factored in access to municipal and private composting programs, zero-waste initiatives, yard size, and local interest in composting, among 11 total metrics.<\/p>    <p>Dig in to our survey results and ranking below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our <a href=\"#city-rankings-methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <p>Why does LawnStarter care about composting? Half of U.S. states require grass clippings and yard waste to be composted or collected separately from their other trash.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Cities like New York are currently rolling out mandatory composting programs. Curious about composting practices in the Big Apple? Read through our <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/nyc-compost-survey\/\">NYC composting survey<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#2025-us-composting-survey-outlook\">2025 U.S. Composting Survey Outlook<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#us-composting-survey-results\">U.S. Composting Survey Results<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#survey-key-insights\">Survey Key Insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Behind the Survey<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#city-rankings\">City Rankings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#top-5\">Top 5 Close Up<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#city-rankings-key-insights\">City Rankings Key Insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#city-rankings-methodology\">City Rankings Methodology<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Final Thoughts: Trash into Treasure<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"2025-us-composting-survey-outlook\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2025 U.S. Composting Survey Outlook<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"2027\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/2025-Composting-Survey-Outlook1.png\" alt=\"Infographic for the 2025 composting survey\" class=\"wp-image-124819\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/2025-Composting-Survey-Outlook1.png 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/2025-Composting-Survey-Outlook1-118x300.png 118w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/2025-Composting-Survey-Outlook1-656x1662.png 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/2025-Composting-Survey-Outlook1-59x150.png 59w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/2025-Composting-Survey-Outlook1-768x1946.png 768w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/2025-Composting-Survey-Outlook1-606x1536.png 606w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biocycle.net\/residential-food-waste-collection-access-in-u-s\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling\/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.compostingcouncil.org\/page\/StateRegulations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/foodlossandwaste\/consumers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"us-composting-survey-results\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">U.S. Composting Survey Results<\/h2>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"8a15d370-39f4-44d5-9916-765a3eaf0813\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"survey-key-insights\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Survey Key Insights<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>A BioCycle survey from 2023 demonstrates that residential access to food waste collection has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biocycle.net\/residential-food-waste-collection-access-in-u-s\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">increased by 49%<\/a> between 2021 and 2023, bringing curbside or drop-off compost programs to 14.9 million households.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Age<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Younger folks<\/strong> (18 to 24) are <strong>over 4X more likely<\/strong> to compost at a <strong>community garden or compost site<\/strong> than people who are 65 and older.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>With Age Comes Wisdom (and Time):<\/strong> Younger respondents (18 to 24) are <strong>over 3X more likely<\/strong> to cite \u201c<strong>lack of knowledge<\/strong>\u201d as a reason they don\u2019t compost more often, compared to those ages 65 and up. The younger generation is also <strong>2X more likely<\/strong> to say <strong>time constraints<\/strong> are keeping them from composting more.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>At <strong>63.38%<\/strong>, respondents <strong>over 65<\/strong> are most inclined to <strong>use compost<\/strong> in their <strong>garden <\/strong>and for <strong>potted plants<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Race + Ethnicity<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Black <\/strong>(41.50%) respondents are <strong>most likely<\/strong> to say they <strong>compost every day<\/strong>. At <strong>21.43%<\/strong>, <strong>multiracial respondents<\/strong> are more likely to <strong>compost monthly<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Income<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Nearly 1\/2<\/strong> of respondents making <strong>over $100,000<\/strong> say they <strong>compost <\/strong>on a <strong>daily basis<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Odor concerns<\/strong> are keeping <strong>more than 1\/2 of high-income respondents<\/strong> (making over $150,000) from composting more often.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Those making <strong>over 6 figures<\/strong> are <strong>most likely<\/strong> to live in an area where their <strong>HOA prohibits composting <\/strong>\u2014 <strong>12.39%<\/strong> for those making $100,000 to $149,999 and <strong>10.45%<\/strong> for households with incomes above $150,000.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Education<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Respondents <strong>without a diploma or GED<\/strong> are <strong>almost 3X more likely<\/strong> to <strong>compost through a work program<\/strong> than those with a doctorate, advanced, or professional degree.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Degrees Don\u2019t Always Know Best:<\/strong> Those with <strong>advanced degrees<\/strong> are almost <strong>2X more likely<\/strong> than those with no schooling to claim a <strong>lack of knowledge<\/strong> as an excuse for not composting. Those with advanced degrees are also <strong>2.5X more likely to worry<\/strong> about <strong>odor<\/strong> and <strong>HOA restrictions<\/strong> than those with no schooling.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gender<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Almost <strong>55% more<\/strong> <strong>men<\/strong> than women claim their <strong>HOA prohibits composting<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Almost 40% more men<\/strong> than women claim they <strong>dispose of their compost<\/strong> instead of repurposing it.<\/li> <\/ul>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"methodology\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Behind the Survey<\/h2>    <p>LawnStarter collected survey responses from a random sample of 2,165 U.S. residents aged 18 or older via Alchemer and Cint on October 22, 2024.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>The first question includes responses from all 2,165, while the remaining 5 questions reflect data from 1,008 respondents who answered \u201cyes\u201d on the first question.<\/p>    <p>Each response was anonymized using a unique user ID generated and assigned by Cint.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notes:<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>This survey data does not stem from a probability sample, therefore no margin of error can be calculated.<\/li>    <li>If comparing national data with our <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/nyc-compost-survey\/\">NYC survey results<\/a>, note that some questions from the NYC survey allowed respondents to select multiple options (\u201cselect all that apply\u201d), while within the U.S. survey respondents had to choose one option for the same questions.<\/li> <\/ul>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"city-rankings\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">City Rankings<\/h2>    <p>See how each city fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"8871649e-7941-47c1-9d09-f7247ddb00c6\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"8250d5ff-1d67-444a-b568-e0857f6260c5\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"top-5\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top 5 Close Up<\/h2>    <p>Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 cities for composting.<\/p>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px;; \" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_92a2e899-6f51-4a94-bcf5-1fce0eb0044b\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/San-Diego.jpg\" alt=\"Boats float while docked at the marina at sunset, with the San Diego skyline glittering in the background.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: <\/strong>San Diego | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>65.45<br><br><strong>Access to Municipal Composting: <\/strong>1 | Rank: 15 (TIE)<br><strong>Access to Private Composting Programs: <\/strong>1.5 | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Number of Local Composting Facilities: <\/strong>5 | Rank: 4<br><strong>Zero-Waste Initiatives: <\/strong>3 | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Average Number of Very Cold Days: <\/strong>0 | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>San Diego provides composting bins and pails to residents with a weekly pickup service, and has successfully increased organic waste collection by <a href=\"https:\/\/voiceofsandiego.org\/2024\/08\/05\/food-waste-recycling-san-diego\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">106%<\/a> over 2 years. Municipal participation has reportedly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.10news.com\/news\/we-follow-through\/san-diegos-organic-waste-recycling-program-shows-progress-after-first-full-year#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">doubled since 2022<\/a>. San Diego has a goal to divert 100% of the city\u2019s waste by 2040\u00a0<br><br>Residents can get <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cleansd.org\/city-of-san-diego-compost-procurement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free compost and mulch<\/a> to help with their home gardening and landscaping projects.\u00a0<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/marina-during-golden-hour-2157685\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lucas Fonseca<\/a> \/ Pexels \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/BostonLS.jpg\" alt=\"Lights glow from high-rise buildings on a wintery night in Boston.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Boston | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>60.49<br><br><strong>Number of Community Gardens per Square Mile: <\/strong>1.59 | Rank: 5<br><strong>Access to Municipal Composting: <\/strong>1.5 | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Access to Private Composting Programs: <\/strong>1 | Rank: 21 (TIE)<br><strong>Number of Local Composting Facilities: <\/strong>3 | Rank: 12<br><strong>State Policies: <\/strong>2 | Rank: 1<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Boston\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boston.gov\/departments\/public-works\/curbside-food-waste-collection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">curbside food scrap collection<\/a> service is 100% free for city residents in buildings with 6 units or fewer.<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/city-buildings-during-night-time-4659963\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nate Hovee<\/a> \/ Pexels \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/San-FranciscoLS1.jpg\" alt=\"A woman reads a book on a grassy hill overlooking the historic painted ladies and greater San Francisco skyline.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3: <\/strong>San Francisco | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>59.23<br><br><strong>Number of Community Gardens per Square Mile: <\/strong>0.17 | Rank: 31<br><strong>Access to Municipal Composting: <\/strong>1 | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Zero-Waste Initiatives: <\/strong>3 | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Average Humidity: <\/strong>77.75% | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Google Search Interest (Adj. to 100K Residents): <\/strong>108 | Rank: 97<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>It all began in 1996 when San Francisco became the first city in the U.S. to implement a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfenvironment.org\/press\/san-francisco-celebrates-major-climate-success-25-years-composting#:~:text=San%20Francisco%E2%80%99s%20food,reduce%20methane%20emissions.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">composting program<\/a>, and later the first U.S. city to mandate composting in 2009.\u00a0<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/woman-lying-on-white-textile-in-grass-field-during-daytime-61109\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Juan Salamanca<\/a> \/ Pexels \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Mountain-View-California-1.png\" alt=\"A sign for Pioneer Memorial Park in Mountain View, California\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>Mountain View, California | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>58.09<br><br><strong>Access to Municipal Composting: <\/strong>1.5 | Rank: 15 (TIE)<br><strong>Zero-Waste Initiatives: <\/strong>2 | Rank: 5<br><strong>Average Humidity: <\/strong>77.75% | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Average Number of Very Cold Days: <\/strong>0 | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Google Search Interest (Adj. to 100K Residents): <\/strong>134.9 | Rank: 51<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Mountain View has a goal to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainview.gov\/our-city\/departments\/public-works\/recycling-zero-waste\/zero-waste\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">divert 90% of trash<\/a> from landfills by 2030. According to the most recent data available, the city has so far accomplished a 78% diversion rate.\u00a0<br><br>Weekly curbside compost collection is built into the city\u2019s waste management plan with an option for free food scrap drop-off. The city is also tackling disposable foodware by supplying local businesses with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainview.gov\/our-city\/departments\/public-works\/recycling-zero-waste\/what-s-new#:~:text=Dine%2DIn%20with%20Reusables\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reusable alternatives<\/a>.\u00a0<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Pioneer_Memorial_Park,_Mountain_View,_California,_July_2019.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Steven Baltakatei Sandoval<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/NEW-YORK-1.png\" alt=\"Bridge in New York during Night time.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>New York | <strong>Overall Score: <\/strong>57.91<br><br><strong>Access to Municipal Composting: <\/strong>1.5 | Rank: 1 (TIE)<br><strong>Access to Private Composting Programs: <\/strong>1 | Rank: 21 (TIE)<br><strong>Number of Local Composting Facilities: <\/strong>9 | Rank: 1<br><strong>State Policies: <\/strong>1 | Rank: 25<br><strong>Zero-Waste Initiatives: <\/strong>1 | Rank: 42<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>New York City is currently rolling out its <a href=\"https:\/\/portal.311.nyc.gov\/article\/?kanumber=KA-02030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mandatory trash separation program<\/a>. Are New Yorkers ready to compost? Explore Big Apple insights from our <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/nyc-compost-survey\/\">NYC Composting Survey<\/a>.\u00a0<br><br>Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/photography-of-bridge-during-nighttime-1239162\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Micha\u0142 Ludwiczak<\/a> \/ Pexels \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>  <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"city-rankings-key-insights\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">City Rankings Key Insights<\/h2>    <p><strong>81 cities<\/strong> in our ranking have access to curbside and\/or drop-off composting programs <strong>implemented by their city<\/strong>. <strong>143 cities<\/strong> in our ranking are home to at least 1 <strong>private composting hub<\/strong> and <strong>168 cities<\/strong> are making strides with zero-waste initiatives.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>All <strong>117 California cities<\/strong> dominate in the <strong>top half<\/strong> of our ranking. Thanks to <a href=\"https:\/\/calrecycle.ca.gov\/organics\/slcp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SB 1383<\/a>, it is <strong>mandatory<\/strong> for local governments in the Golden State to <strong>provide organic waste recycling or composting services<\/strong> to all residents and businesses. Cali has a goal of <strong>diverting 75% of organic waste<\/strong> statewide by 2025.<\/p>    <p>Other states leading the way <strong>policy-wise<\/strong> are <strong>Massachusetts<\/strong> and <strong>Connecticut<\/strong>, requiring residents to<strong> separate<\/strong> <strong>yard trimmings<\/strong> and <strong>food waste <\/strong>from their trash. All <strong>8 Connecticut<\/strong> and <strong>13 Massachusetts<\/strong> cities finished in the top half of our ranking. Research shows that mandatory composting has had the <a href=\"https:\/\/today.ucsd.edu\/story\/new-study-reveals-food-waste-bans-ineffective-in-reducing-landfill-waste-except-in-massachusetts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">most success<\/a> in Massachusetts.<\/p>    <p>Many major U.S. cities with city-run composting programs tend not to have much yard space. Residents of cities like <strong>Cedar Rapids, Iowa<\/strong> (No. 78), <strong>Athens, Georgia<\/strong> (No. 85), and <strong>Missoula, Montana<\/strong> (No. 209), enjoy the <strong>best of both worlds<\/strong>, with access to <strong>municipal and private composting <\/strong>services in addition to <strong>ample lawn space<\/strong> for establishing their own compost pile.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Sort through more composting insights <a href=\"#media-resources\">below<\/a>.<\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"city-rankings-methodology\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">City Rankings Methodology<\/h2>    <p>First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Best Cities for Composting. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 5 categories: Infrastructure &amp; Accessibility, Waste Initiatives &amp; Policies, Local Interest, Climate, and Residential Space. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.<\/p>    <p>For each of the 500 biggest U.S. cities, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table.<\/p>    <p>Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each city to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A city\u2019s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked \u201cBest\u201d (No. 1) and the lowest \u201cWorst\u201d (No. 500).<\/p>    <p>Notes:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>It is challenging to capture all the nuances of a successful composting project. We were unable to factor in rates of successful waste diversion, compost contamination, incentives, costs, or community participation rates due to a lack of data.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Some organic waste facilities use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/agstar\/how-does-anaerobic-digestion-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">anaerobic digestion<\/a> to create biofuel and electricity from organics instead of producing compost.<\/li>    <li>Weights for \u201cAccess to Municipal Composting\u201d were distributed as: 1 point for curbside pick-up services and 0.5 points for drop-off services.<\/li>    <li>Weights for \u201cAccess to Private Composting\u201d were distributed as: 1 point for curbside pick-up services and 0.5 points for drop-off services.<\/li>    <li>Weights for \u201cState Policies\u201d were distributed as: 1 point for regulations requiring separate yard waste collection and 1 point for regulations requiring separate food waste collection.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>The \u201cWorst\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 500 due to ties.<\/li> <\/ul>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"20b8016f-a435-43af-98d4-a03119d11ad2\" data-type=\"interactive\"><\/div><script>!function(e,t,s,i){var n=\"InfogramEmbeds\",o=e.getElementsByTagName(\"script\"),d=o[0],r=\/^http:\/.test(e.location)?\"http:\":\"https:\";if(\/^\\\/{2}\/.test(i)&&(i=r+i),window[n]&&window[n].initialized)window[n].process&&window[n].process();else if(!e.getElementById(s)){var a=e.createElement(\"script\");a.async=1,a.id=s,a.src=i,d.parentNode.insertBefore(a,d)}}(document,0,\"infogram-async\",\"\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em> American Community Gardening Association, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Google Keyword Planner, metroSTOR, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Sustainable Packaging Coalition, U.S. Composting Council, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Waste Dive, WtERT, Zero Waste International Alliance<\/em><\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"final-thoughts\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts: Trash into Treasure<\/h2>    <p>One person\u2019s trash is another one\u2019s treasure \u2014 so it\u2019s no surprise that compost is nicknamed \u201cblack gold.\u201d &nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Some U.S. cities are attempting to decrease trash production through zero-waste initiatives and mandatory composting programs.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>NYC is unrolling its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyc.gov\/site\/dsny\/collection\/residents\/curbside-composting.page\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">curbside composting program<\/a>, with mandatory separation of yard waste, food scraps, and food-soiled paper as an attempt to combat the city\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/pestgnome.com\/blog\/studies\/most-vulnerable-cities-rat-infestation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rat problem<\/a>. The trial period ends in Spring 2025 when residents who fail to comply will be subject to fines.<\/p>    <p>We also <a href=\"http:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/studies\/nyc-compost-survey\/\">surveyed NYC residents<\/a> to see if they\u2019ve started composting and gather their thoughts on the practice.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Food waste is costly for us and our environment. Families spend an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/foodlossandwaste\/consumers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">average of $1,500<\/a> on uneaten food per year. Studies show composting can redirect <a href=\"https:\/\/environmentamerica.org\/center\/resources\/trash-in-america-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">over 1\/3<\/a> of your food waste and grass trimmings from landfills.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Composting and recycling can get confusing \u2014 every sanitary department and waste management company has its own guidelines for what\u2019s accepted in their facilities. Always check with your local service on how to best dispose of your waste to avoid compost contamination.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Separate Organics? 5 Benefits of Avoiding the Dumpster<\/h3>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/grist.org\/food\/food-waste-prevent-methane-pollution-compost\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reduces emissions<\/a> by 34\u201384%.<\/li>    <li>Using compost benefits soil health.<\/li>    <li>Compost and mulch help increase erosion control.<\/li>    <li>Healthy soil improves water retention.<\/li>    <li>Disposing of organic waste at anaerobic digestion facilities creates <a href=\"https:\/\/laist.com\/news\/california-compost-law-guide#:~:text=There%20are%20far%20fewer%20emissions%20associated%20with%20turning%20food%20waste%20into%20natural%20gas%20(which%20is%20primarily%20composed%20of%20methane)%20as%20opposed%20to%20the%20traditional%20method%20of%20extracting%20oil%20and%20gas%20to%20be%20refined%20for%20fuel.%20And%20burning%20biogas%20releases%20less%20carbon%20than%20burning%20coal%2C%20diesel%20or%20gasoline.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">biofuel<\/a> and electricity.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p>You can make a difference no matter where you live. Put a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/reviews\/best-compost-bins\/\">compost bin<\/a> in your kitchen or garage and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/composting-101-how-to-start-your-first-compost-pile\/\">start your own compost pile<\/a> to start producing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-organic-fertilizer\/\">organic fertilizer<\/a> to keep your lawn, plants, and soil healthy and thriving.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>No <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sustainable-management-food\/community-composting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">backyard<\/a>? No problem. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sustainable-management-food\/community-composting\">Community composting<\/a> may be available in your area.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>For more composting tips and information, explore our guides below.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/composting-101-how-to-start-your-first-compost-pile\/\">Composting 101: How to Start Composting<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-compost-grass-clippings\/\">How to Compost Grass Clippings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/reviews\/best-compost-bins\/\">5 Best Compost Bins of 2024<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/mulching-vs-bagging-grass-clippings\/\">Mulching vs. Bagging Grass Clippings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-organic-fertilizer\/\">What is Organic Fertilizer?<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-make-your-own-fertilizer\/\">How to Make Your Own Fertilizer at Home<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/guide-organic-lawn-care\/\">A Guide to Organic Lawn Fertilizer<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p>With the holiday season here, remember to compost your <a href=\"https:\/\/ilsr.org\/articles\/smashing-composting-pumpkins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pumpkins<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originalorganics.co.uk\/blog\/treecycle-compost-christmas-tree\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christmas tree<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/composting-101-how-to-start-your-first-compost-pile\/#7-what-to-compost\">eligible food scraps<\/a> instead of dumping them in the trash.<\/p>    <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/\"><em>Call a local LawnStarter pro<\/em><\/a><em> to help you set up a spot in your yard for your new compost pile.<\/em><\/p>   <p><a class=\"js-anchor\" id=\"media-resources\"><\/a><\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Media Resources<\/h2>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-a989dbb3-2428-429f-983d-df9cf7a79f60\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-a989dbb3-2428-429f-983d-df9cf7a79f60\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-a989dbb3-2428-429f-983d-df9cf7a79f60\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Quotes from LawnStarter Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Herman:<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-a989dbb3-2428-429f-983d-df9cf7a79f60\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Nearly <strong>2 in 10 <\/strong>(18.23%) respondents <strong>making less than $50,000<\/strong> say they utilize a <strong>community garden<\/strong> or <strong>composting site<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>4 in 10<\/strong> respondents claim they <strong>compost daily <\/strong>overall, compared to <strong>less than 3 in 10<\/strong> respondents <strong>ages 18 to 24<\/strong>. However, <strong>over 1 in 5<\/strong> of the youngest generation surveyed (18 to 24) attest to <strong>composting weekly<\/strong> (55.94%).<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Low-income respondents<\/strong> (earning less than $20,000)<strong> <\/strong>are <strong>3.5X more likely<\/strong> to <strong>compost at work<\/strong> than those earning over $150,000.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>At <strong>31.34%<\/strong>, folks making <strong>over $150,000<\/strong> are <strong>more likely<\/strong> to compost just <strong>yard waste<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Respondents <strong>ages 45 to 54<\/strong> have the biggest preference for <strong>using compost<\/strong> on their <strong>lawns or around trees<\/strong> (29.07%).\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Respondents <strong>ages 18 to 24<\/strong> had a <strong>higher preference<\/strong> (34.27%) for composting <strong>yard waste <\/strong>than the other age groups.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Younger respondents (18 to 24) are over <strong>11X more likely<\/strong> to say they give their compost away compared to folks who are <strong>65 and above<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Folks ages <strong>18 to 24<\/strong> are <strong>5X as likely<\/strong> to compost <strong>just paper products<\/strong> than people ages 65 and up.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>There\u2019s no doubt that <strong>San Francisco<\/strong> (No. 3) is running a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/culture\/culture-features\/san-francisco-zero-waste-1237888\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">successful composting<\/a> (and recycling) program. However, residents have access to only <strong>1 municipal curbside program<\/strong>, which has been <a href=\"https:\/\/sfist.com\/2024\/03\/12\/looks-like-recologys-sf-monopoly-will-live-on-as-competing-trash-collector-drops-their-rival-bid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">criticized by locals<\/a> for overcharging residents and <strong>creating a monopoly<\/strong>. On top of that, average San Francisco homeowners have the <strong>smallest yards<\/strong> for starting their own compost pile at home.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Minnesota<\/strong> cities \u2014 <strong>St. Paul<\/strong> (No. 19) and <strong>Minneapolis<\/strong> (No. 9) \u2014 have the <strong>highest local interest<\/strong> in composting out of the cities in our ranking, according to Google searches (population-adjusted). The Twin Cities enjoy <strong>curbside and drop-off municipal composting<\/strong> access. Gopher State residents are required to compost their <strong>yard trimmings,<\/strong> and Minneapolis has a goal to <strong>divert 80% of waste<\/strong> from landfills by 2030.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Residents of some high-ranking cities with<strong> access to composting facilities<\/strong> show <strong>low interest in composting<\/strong>, at least according to Google search results, like <strong>Jersey City, New Jersey<\/strong> (No. 53), <strong>Anchorage, Alaska<\/strong> (No. 84), and <strong>San Antonio<\/strong> (No. 56). Meanwhile, several low-ranking cities demonstrate <strong>among the highest local interest<\/strong> in composting \u2014 such as <strong>Woodbury, Minnesota <\/strong>(No. 308), <strong>Richmond, Virginia <\/strong>(No. 316), and <strong>Westminster, Colorado <\/strong>(No. 478).<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Atlanta<\/strong> (No. 103) and suburb <strong>Johns Creek<\/strong> (No. 221) demonstrate <strong>high local interest<\/strong> in composting, but <strong>lack municipal composting services<\/strong>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Don\u2019t Mess With Texas: <strong>Austin<\/strong> (No. 34) and <strong>San Antonio<\/strong> (No. 56) lead the Lone Star State in our ranking with access to <strong>city-run curbside composting<\/strong> services and local <strong>private composting<\/strong> businesses. Austin has a goal of <strong>reducing waste by 90%<\/strong> by 2040 and San Antonio is aiming to <strong>divert 60% of organics and recyclables<\/strong> from landfills by 2025.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>3 Colorado cities<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>Denver<\/strong> (No. 72), <strong>Boulder<\/strong> (No. 114), and <strong>Longmount<\/strong> (No. 148) \u2014 land in the <strong>top half<\/strong> with <strong>municipal composting services<\/strong>. <strong>Colorado Springs<\/strong> (No. 457) and <strong>Aurora<\/strong> (No. 463) tie with 18 other U.S. cities for having access to <strong>privately managed<\/strong> compost hubs offering both <strong>pick-up and drop-off<\/strong> services. Composting at home can be <a href=\"https:\/\/coloradomountaingardener.blogspot.com\/2021\/05\/composting-considerations.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">more challenging<\/a> in the Centennial State due to its dry and cold climate.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Las Vegas<\/strong> (No. 459) falls behind due to a <strong>lack of legislation<\/strong> and <strong>low local interest<\/strong>, but some are introducing creative composting solutions to manage the city\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/shapiroe.com\/blog\/las-vegas-food-waste\/#:~:text=A%202023%20report,to%20immense%20proportions.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">casino-driven food waste<\/a>. One business in the city accepts food scraps to feed over <a href=\"https:\/\/combsbrothersllc.com\/las-vegas-livestock\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">27,000 livestock<\/a>. Caesars is implementing <a href=\"https:\/\/lasvegassun.com\/news\/2024\/nov\/29\/caesars-introduces-ai-to-monitor-and-manage-food-w\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AI technology<\/a> to track and manage kitchen food waste. The city is also launching <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lasvegasnevada.gov\/News\/Blog\/Detail\/interested-in-composting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free composting services<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Pittsburgh<\/strong> (No. 82) <strong>outranks Philadelphia<\/strong> (No. 108) with better access to <strong>community gardens<\/strong> and <strong>significantly higher local interest<\/strong> in composting.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Recent legislation is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biocycle.net\/washington-food-waste-legislation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">expanding composting services<\/a> throughout <strong>Washington state<\/strong>, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wastedive.com\/news\/washington-organics-bill-passage-hb-2301-donation-curbside-collection\/709439\/#:~:text=The%20collection%20programs%20would%20be%20mandatory%20for%20customers%20three%20years%20later%2C%20unless%20they%20can%20certify%20that%20they%E2%80%99re%20managing%20their%20organics%20sustainably%20on%20their%20own.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>mandatory composting on the horizon<\/strong><\/a> for some single-family residents. Municipal codes in <strong>Seattle<\/strong> (No. 33) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seattle.gov\/utilities\/your-services\/collection-and-disposal\/food-and-yard\/food-waste-requirements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>ban residents<\/strong><\/a> from <strong>trashing compostable and recyclable materials<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Washington<\/strong> (No. 21) currently offers free <a href=\"https:\/\/zerowaste.dc.gov\/foodwastedropoff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">food scrap drop-off sites<\/a> \u2014 with plans to <a href=\"https:\/\/zerowaste.dc.gov\/zwdcplan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">divert 80%<\/a> of waste by 2040. Residents demonstrate<strong> high interest in composting<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1iRHbkxP4Ig4NUHLJxYDqz5cLx5cU6LsX\/view?usp=drive_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution image of infographic<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1DAez0eoaXqlbpkyhL553MwV4C0eEHQeRndj6mexkXWs\/edit#gid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution images of cities<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><strong>Main Photo Credit:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/caucasian-woman-standing-in-kitchen-preparing-food-composting-vegetable-waste\/442749515\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wavebreak3<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock \/ License<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How many people in the U.S. compost their food scraps and grass clippings? Read our 2025 Composting Survey and discover 2025\u2019s Best Cities for Composting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":100,"featured_media":124831,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[853],"tags":[1472],"class_list":["post-124808","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies","tag-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/AdobeStock_442749515-2.png?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Sav Maive","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/sav-maive\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>2025\u2019s Best Cities for Composting + U.S. Survey<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How many people in the U.S. compost their food scraps and grass clippings? 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