1. Unfortunately, yes; approximately 40% of all food produced nationally is wasted. This not only wastes valuable resources, but it also wastes the opportunity to go to someone in need. 
2. Please visit the NJDEP’s Food Waste FAQ to learn more.

1. By making small shifts in how you shop, store, and prepare food, you can waste less valuable food.
2. Start by taking the NJ Food Waste Reduction Pledge & reviewing the NJDEP’s Food Waste Reduction Tips.
3. In general, everyone should always strive to follow the US EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy with composting as a second-to-last resort:

1. According to the EPA, composting:
1. Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.
2. Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
3. Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.
4. Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.

1. There are various at-home composting methods, depending on the space and materials that you have. Review these expert guides to get started:
1. Rutgers: Home Composting
2. Institute for Local Self-Reliance: Home Composting Basics
3. U.S. EPA: Composting at Home 
2. HCIA sells discounted compost bins for $40 through this online order form.

Use leaves as “browns” to compost in your backyard, or put them curbside in a paper bag on Wednesdays to be picked up by the Secaucus DPW. Residents can call the DPW 201-330-2080 to arrange a time to pick up free leaf bags.

You can also join the #LeavetheLeaves movement to support important native species! Learn more from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (click here).