The city of Southfield, Michigan, has launched a free composting drop-box program to help reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfills, where it produces harmful methane gas. Beginning on February 9th, 2026, 10 composting bins were installed at 7 locations around the city for residents to drop off food scraps at no cost.

Residents can compost all types of food waste, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy and bones are all included. Participants sign up through an app that also helps them locate drop boxes, and the city is also giving away free countertop compost bins to help people collect scraps at home.

Officials say Southfield contributes roughly 36 million pounds of food waste to landfills annually, and the initiative is part of broader sustainability efforts. The program has already attracted hundreds of residents, and city leaders hope local businesses will also join the effort.

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