Composting
Composting
Composting is a low-tech, cost effective method for managing organic wastes, such as leaves, grass, food scraps, wood, cardboard, paper, and other organics. Composting is a controlled biological process by which organic materials are broken down, or decomposed, by microorganisms. The resulting compost is a valuable soil amendment.
Organic materials make up more than 60% of the municipal solid waste stream, yard trimmings alone account for almost 25% of that amount. And, when diverted from disposal at the landfill can have an enormous impact; extending the life of landfills, reducing the cost of collection and disposal, reducing harmful greenhouse gases by reducing methane gas production in the landfill, and generating revenues from the sales of new compost products.
The end-product, compost, is used in a variety of ways in landscaping to control soil erosion and remediate turf. Compost is used to restore habitats and wetlands, to remediate contaminated soil, reduce the use of pesticides and generally to conserve natural resources.
