Why is landfill diversion important for small municipalities?

Small municipalities across the country are facing mounting pressure to manage waste more sustainably and cost-effectively. Landfill diversion—the process of redirecting waste away from landfills through methods such as recycling, composting, and reuse—offers a strategic advantage for communities with limited resources. By reducing landfill dependency, municipalities can minimize environmental impact, extend the lifespan of local landfill sites, and even save on disposal costs. For communities like those served by Van's Sanitation in Le Mars, Iowa, the case for landfill diversion isn't just environmental—it's also economic and operational.

Understanding the types of waste that can be most effectively diverted is the first step in building a successful strategy. Composting programs offer another crucial avenue, transforming organic waste into usable soil products. Recycling remains one of the most recognized waste diversion practices, with measurable impacts on landfill volumes. Public education campaigns play a critical role in reinforcing these efforts, helping residents make informed decisions that reduce overall waste. And when municipalities embrace landfill diversion holistically, the cost benefits are tangible. In this article, we’ll explore all these topics in depth, beginning with the waste types most suitable for diversion and ending with how communities can benefit financially from adopting smarter waste practices. Learn more about how landfill diversion strategies are reshaping small-town waste management.

Common Waste Types Most Likely to Be Diverted from Landfills

Understanding which materials can be diverted is key to reducing landfill volumes. The most common waste types suitable for diversion include organic materials like food scraps and yard waste, which can be composted, as well as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals, all of which can be recycled. Construction and demolition debris, such as wood and concrete, can also be diverted through specialized recovery programs. These waste streams, when properly separated, have existing markets and processing infrastructure that support reuse and recycling.

In small municipalities, separating recyclables and organics at the source—whether residential or commercial—is the most efficient way to ensure diversion. Programs that provide multiple collection streams make it easier for households and businesses to sort their waste effectively. Items like clean paper, aluminum cans, #1 and #2 plastics, and green waste are especially easy to manage and can generate downstream revenue or savings in tipping fees.

Municipalities that partner with service providers like Van's Sanitation are better positioned to streamline these processes. With a focus on education and consistent curbside service, these communities can achieve higher diversion rates. Access to organized landfill diversion programs also means less contamination and better resource recovery outcomes.

How Composting Programs Reduce Landfill Waste

Composting is a powerful tool for waste diversion, particularly in communities where organic waste makes up a significant portion of the municipal solid waste stream. Food scraps, yard waste, and certain paper products can all be composted instead of landfilled. When sent to landfill, organic materials generate methane—a potent greenhouse gas. By composting, municipalities not only reduce landfill volume but also cut down on emissions and create a useful end-product: nutrient-rich compost for landscaping and agriculture.

Incorporating compost collection into residential and commercial services reduces landfill dependency while encouraging residents to be more mindful of their waste habits. Whether through backyard bins, drop-off sites, or curbside green bin programs, composting initiatives empower communities to take responsibility for their waste. This also helps extend the lifespan of existing landfill sites, which is particularly important in rural areas with limited access to new disposal facilities.

In areas served by Van's Sanitation, expanding composting efforts offers a scalable path toward meaningful landfill diversion. Programs can be implemented alongside existing recycling and trash services to maximize convenience and participation. Consistent collection and clear communication are key to their success, making composting an effective and environmentally sound waste management strategy.

The Impact of Recycling Programs on Landfill Volume

Recycling programs remain one of the most established and effective methods of landfill diversion. By reprocessing materials like paper, cardboard, metals, and plastics, municipalities can reduce the demand for raw resources and lower overall waste volumes. For small towns, a well-managed recycling program also helps avoid costly landfill tipping fees and minimizes the need for expanding or creating new landfill cells.

Recycling reduces both the weight and volume of the waste stream. This is particularly beneficial for municipalities that pay by weight or volume for landfill disposal. When items are removed from the trash stream and sorted for recycling, fewer loads are transported to landfills, reducing fuel usage and wear on public roads. The long-term savings are substantial, especially when the program operates efficiently with low contamination rates.

Van's Sanitation offers structured recycling collection services that promote clean sorting and consistent pickup, making participation easy for households and businesses alike. These services support broader diversion goals while enhancing public awareness of environmental responsibility through routine community engagement and outreach efforts.

The Role of Education Campaigns in Waste Reduction

Education plays a foundational role in the success of any landfill diversion initiative. Without proper public understanding of what can and cannot be recycled or composted, contamination rates rise, and diversion efficiency drops. Effective outreach campaigns inform residents about program guidelines, collection schedules, and the long-term benefits of waste reduction.

Municipalities often implement school programs, workshops, community flyers, and social media content to drive engagement. These campaigns help shift public behavior and attitudes toward waste, empowering individuals to make more sustainable choices at home and in their workplaces. Informed participation reduces contamination and improves the quality of diverted materials, making them more valuable for reuse or sale.

For small towns, the impact of even modest education programs can be substantial. When residents understand why proper sorting matters and how it benefits the community, participation increases. Over time, these behavior changes support stronger recycling and composting performance and decrease overall landfill reliance.

Financial Benefits of Landfill Diversion for Municipalities

Landfill diversion delivers measurable financial benefits to municipalities, especially in regions where landfill tipping fees are rising. By diverting recyclable and compostable materials, towns can reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill, which directly lowers disposal costs. These savings can be redirected to fund improved waste collection infrastructure, community outreach, or other municipal priorities.

Composting and recycling also offer revenue opportunities. Recyclables can be sold to material recovery facilities, and compost products can be used locally or sold to agricultural operations. Additionally, effective diversion practices extend the operational life of landfills, postponing or eliminating the need for expensive expansions or new site development.

Municipalities working with Van's Sanitation can leverage comprehensive waste solutions that align with long-term financial sustainability. The company’s approach supports local governments in achieving landfill diversion goals while optimizing budget efficiency and environmental performance.

How Van's Sanitation Supports Smarter Waste Management

Van's Sanitation provides full-spectrum waste management services to municipalities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding areas. With over 30 years of experience, the company supports communities in advancing their landfill diversion goals through tailored programs for trash, recycling, and compost collection. Their services are built on consistency, customer education, and environmental commitment.

Whether your town is seeking to launch a composting initiative, improve recycling participation, or reduce landfill costs, Van's Sanitation offers the expertise and infrastructure to support these goals. Their team works closely with municipal leaders to implement waste diversion strategies that reflect community needs and align with regulatory requirements.

To learn more about how Van's Sanitation can help your community improve waste diversion and reduce landfill use, contact us. You can also reach their office at 1553 18th St SW Le Mars, IA. 51031 or call 712-548-4644 for details about available services and partnerships.