New NRDC Study: Cutting Food Waste in Illinois Could Add 14,000 Jobs and Grow the Economy

CHICAGO, IL – A new study, commissioned by NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), shows that Illinois can turn its trash into a major win for the state. By stopping food from rotting in landfills, Illinois can create thousands of jobs, grow the economy, and save good food for people who need it.  

Issue Brief: Economic Impacts of Food Waste Diversion in Illinois 

 Every year, Illinois throws away about 2.8 million tons of food. When this food sits in a landfill, it creates methane, a powerful gas that warms the planet. Much of this food is still perfectly safe to eat or can be recycled into compost for farms. Today’s report explains the economic benefits that could be gained by keeping food from entering landfills in Illinois. 

“Stopping food waste is a triple win,” said Andrea Collins, Senior specialist for nature at NRDC. “We can cut pollution, create local jobs, and help families put dinner on the table. When we treat food as a resource instead of trash, our neighborhoods and our climate both win.”  

The study found that upon full implementation a comprehensive food waste diversion policy could cumulatively: 

• Create 14,000 jobs related to hauling, processing, and food rescue.
• Produce $3.8 billion in economic activity across the state.
• Generate $172 million in tax revenue for local communities.
• Reduce climate pollution by keeping food out of landfills.  

“Every ton of food sent to a landfill is a missed opportunity for Illinois,” said Kyle Preuss of Block Bins. “By diverting food scraps away from the trash and into composting and rescue programs, we aren't just reducing methane—we are building a circular economy that creates local jobs and returns vital nutrients to our soil. This study proves that sustainable waste management is a powerful engine for both environmental health and economic growth.” 

Solutions are already moving forward. Illinois lawmakers are looking at SB 2852, which would require large businesses – like grocery stores and food manufacturers– to donate or recycle their extra food instead of tossing it. This bill, if passed, would help build the tools the state needs to rescue food and protect the environment.  

 "Food waste is an economic opportunity we can't afford to ignore. This study shows we can create thousands of jobs, generate billions in economic activity and help feed hungry families — all while cutting pollution,” said Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Senate Bill 2852 gives us the tools to make this happen. Let's treat food like the valuable resource it is." 

For complete details, you can read the full analysis, The Economic Impacts of Food Waste Diversion in Illinois.  

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).