Each month, we will highlight community heroes that are making a difference in their communities and working to make their local environments cleaner and healthier.
This month, we are taking a look at HSU Growing Supply in WI!
HSU Growing Supply is a Wisconsin-based company specializing in compost, soil, mulch, and other growing supplies for homeowners, gardeners, landscapers, and agricultural customers. Based in Wausau, they focus on creating healthier soil through locally sourced compost and sustainable growing products, while also supporting food waste recycling and organic waste diversion efforts. Their approach to food scrap collection reflects a growing movement toward organics diversion and sustainable resource management. This process not only benefits growers and gardeners but also helps reduce the environmental impacts associated with landfill disposal of organic materials. The company emphasizes sustainability, soil health, and reducing waste through practical solutions that help communities grow greener. The Biobag team connected with Nicole at HSU Growing Supply, to learn more about the organization's journey and impact.
What led you to start your composting operation?
At HSU Growing Supply, we believe that where other people see "waste" we see incredible value. As a company centered on soil health and cultivation, composting felt like a natural extension of our mission. We saw an opportunity to help keep food scraps out of landfills, create nutrient-rich compost and give people an easy way to make a positive impact on their gardens, farms and community. The need is significant. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 88% of the food waste entering Wisconsin landfills comes from households and food service businesses, so the state has set a goal to reduce per-capita food waste sent to landfills by 50% by 2030. https://dnr.wisconsin.g
Our goal is to help close the loop, turning yesterday's leftovers into tomorrow's healthy soil.
Who do you serve and how can people get in touch with you if they want to start composting?
We proudly serve both residential, commercial and non profit customers throughout the greater Wausau, Wisconsin area. Whether you're a household looking to reduce food waste or a business wanting a sustainable recycling solution, we'd love to help.
To learn more about our food scrap recycling services, visit hsugrowingsupply.com or contact us to find the membership or commercial program that's right for you.
How much organic material do you typically take in on a weekly basis?
On average, we recycle approximately 6,000 pounds of organic material every week, transforming it into valuable compost that helps improve soils while supporting healthier plants, gardens and landscapes throughout our community.
Feel free to add any additional information about your operation as you see fit.
At HSU Growing Supply, we believe composting is about more than diverting waste, it's about changing the way we think about resources. Nature doesn't create waste, it creates cycles. What many see as the end of a meal, we view as the beginning of healthier soil, thriving plants and better future harvests. Our goal is simple, help complete that cycle!
Our vision is simple: Nothing is wasted. Everything has the potential to become something new. By helping to make composting easy and accessible, we're helping build healthier soils, stronger communities and a more sustainable future, one bucket at a time!
Interesting fact:
Wisconsin composting facilities processed about 7,800 tons of food scraps in 2023 which is less than 1% of all food waste generated in the state. This highlights the amount of opportunity that still exists to expand food scrap recycling. (https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Waste/WDNR_FoodWaste_ExecSummary_Final.pdf?utm_source)
The Wisconsin DNR says expanding food waste collection and composting infrastructure is essential if the state is going to meet its 2030 food waste reduction goals. Our Plan is to help them get there!
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