About this Event
On November 2, 2026, from 5:30–6:30 p.m., the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) will host an outreach seminar in the classroom at the McCrory Gardens Education & Visitor Center in Brookings to share key findings from the recently completed South Dakota Food Waste Composting Feasibility Study. The study, conducted by Burns & McDonnell, evaluated opportunities for communities of all sizes to divert food waste, identified practical composting technologies suited to South Dakota conditions, and outlined steps communities can take to launch effective, scalable programs.
Attendees will learn why food waste composting matters, including its benefits for conserving landfill space, creating useful local compost, and building on existing solid waste operations. The seminar will highlight statewide data on food waste generation, facility readiness, common concerns such as contamination and odor, and the range of technologies—from simple windrows to aerated static piles and in‑vessel systems—that communities may consider.
A major feature of the session will be the Brookings Food Waste Pilot, which tested a full collection‑to‑composting pathway using existing staff and infrastructure. The pilot demonstrated low startup cost, minimal disruption to operations, and useful lessons related to winter conditions, contamination control, and community engagement.
The seminar will also outline next steps for communities interested in exploring food waste diversion—such as assessing local capacity, considering pilot‑scale projects, and working with DANR early in the process for guidance, approvals, and funding opportunities.
Event venue & nearby stays
McCrory Gardens Education & Visitor Center, McCrory Gardens Education & Visitor Center, Brookings, United States
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