Landfills across Washington and the country are causing massive amounts of global warming through methane: a super-pollutant that is approximately 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. The majority of landfill methane emissions come from organic waste like food scraps, yard clippings, and paper. Science tells us that drastically reducing methane is the most impactful action we can take now to slow climate change – and as the country's third-largest source of industrial methane emissions, landfills are a clear next step. Reducing methane emissions from landfills is possible, through a combination of waste prevention programs, organics diversion policies, and stronger landfill emissions regulations. The state Department of Ecology is currently writing a final set of new state landfill emissions rules - they have a choice to cement Washington’s position as a national leader on addressing climate change or maintain the status quo. Together, we can keep trash out of landfills and slash planet-warming emissions, but we need policymakers to act with the boldness and urgency required. Washington State has taken strong steps to address these problems but more work is needed. Washington has created a plan to address surplus food and food waste, passed a law with a target to divert organic material from landfills by 75% by 2030 and direct at least 20% of surplus food to food donation programs, relative to 2015 levels. Implementing and building on these efforts can create jobs, food security and economic growth that help communities thrive.