During its 95th Annual Conference Wednesday, the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) presented its 2020 Award for Excellence to the city of Eugene its “Love Food Not Waste” program. The award recognizes progressive and innovative city operations and services.
About the “Love Food Not Waste” (LFNW) Program
The program began in 2011 to reduce some of the food waste the city sends to a local landfill. More than 270 businesses and organizations currently participate, and over time have collectively helped divert nearly 18,000 tons of food waste. The commercial program provides businesses, schools, public facilities, and other organizations the option to have food waste collected at a lower rate than garbage service and hauled to processors to become compost. The bagged compost is then sold at local retailers under the LFNW name.
After a three-year residential pilot program, LFNW expanded citywide in 2019. It allows residential customers to place food scraps in their curbside yard waste bins to be made into compost. The City, with private and nonprofit partners, has engaged in extensive public education campaigns to support the program. The program has received an overwhelmingly positive reception from the public and has become an integral part of Eugene’s solid waste system. The involvement and support of participating businesses, schools, haulers, processors, other organizations, and residents have been key to this success, making LFNW a collaborative, community-based endeavor.
About the League of Oregon Cities
Founded in 1925, the LOC is a voluntary association representing all 241 of Oregon’s incorporated cities. The League helps city governments serve their citizens by providing legislative services, policy setting, intergovernmental relations, conferences and training, technical assistance and publications.