In 2011, Naval Station Great Lakes added composting and recycling bins. 3 years later, the Navy had diverted 300 tons of food and yard waste and recycled 114% more waste

Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois expanded its approach to waste management after joining the Federal Green Challenge in 2011. The Navy's largest training station introduced a food composting program, increased the number of recycling collection bins and expanded efforts to divert materials from landfills.

By February 2014, the station had increased the amount of materials recycled by 114%. Its composting program had also diverted more than 300 tons of food scraps and landscape waste from area landfills.