SR0620 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0620 LRB104 20805 ECR 34335 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Composting is an effective form of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, and since organic materials make up approximately 30-40% of the material going to landfills, composting is a primary method communities can use to reach waste diversion goals and create sustainable communities; and

WHEREAS, Organic residual materials, including yard trimmings, vegetable cuttings, biosolids, food scraps, manures, and hay shavings, have been composted and converted into a beneficial product known as compost; and

WHEREAS, Returning organic resources, remanufactured into compost, to the soil reduces water consumption by over 30% for all soil types, conserves water during extreme drought or flooding conditions, decreases dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and decreases erosion and nonpoint source pollution; and

WHEREAS, Communities, through their local governments, highway departments, soil and water conservation districts, and public works professionals, can have positive impacts on clean water, soil, climate change, and landfill diversion by using compost for public works projects; and

WHEREAS, Composting creates green jobs and infrastructure for cities and states that implement composting programs; and

WHEREAS, International Compost Awareness Week, scheduled for May 3 through May 9, 2026, is a multimedia publicity and educational initiative designed to showcase compost production and demonstrate compost use and is supported by compost industry organizations from around the world; and

WHEREAS, The theme for 2026 is "Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us!"; it recognizes and promotes the importance of composting and the use of compost in growing healthier food, in supporting healthier soils, and, ultimately, in creating a more just and sustainable world; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 3 through May 9, 2026 as Compost Awareness Week in the State of Illinois.