Composting 101: From Rubbish to Riches
Globally one-third of all food produced goes to waste. At retail prices, that’s equal to nearly one trillion dollars in food waste. Given the current climate condition and overflowing landfill sites, mixing food with general waste is no longer a sustainable solution. Now is the time to be composting.
Organic waste that is sent to a landfill doesn’t disappear naturally. Instead, it slowly decomposes in an oxygen-deprived environment, where it releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide.
Organic waste that is put in a compost pile breaks down into nutrient-rich soil, which can be spread on gardens and farms. This simple act aids in supporting local food networks and farming communities, and lowers the demand for synthetic fertilizer.
Adding food waste to landfills isn’t just negligence towards the climate, but a missed opportunity to significantly reduce waste and save money. Rather than add to the pollution problem, repurpose food waste, support local food and farming networks, and contribute to a circular economy.
The Art of Composting
Composting is all about balance, meaning the pile requires both “brown” and “green” materials for food waste to successfully breakdown.
Brown materials, such as dry leaves, branches, and wood chips, supply large amounts of carbon. Green materials include items like food scraps, grass clippings, manure, and coffee grinds, and contain high quantities of nitrogen. When mixed in a 2:1 ratio, the combination of brown and green materials create the right nutrient balance for food to decompose.
Size Matters
The size of materials added to the compost pile influence the end result. If materials are too large, they take longer to breakdown and may attract flies. If they’re too small, and they compact and prevent air flow.
To get the right mixture, chop or shred materials into pieces that are no larger than two inches in diameter. Doing so increases the surface area for microorganisms to feed on, and produces a more consistent mixture.
Turning the pile and adding bulking agents like wood chips or shredded newspaper will help lift the pile, allowing it to breathe. Be sure to avoid too much air flow though, or the pile will dry out and disrupt the decomposition process.
Keep It Moist
A damp or moist compost pile (not wet) allows microbes to move and access the nutrients they need to efficiently breakdown food waste. While most organic materials do contain some moisture, lightly misting the pile may enhance the process.
On average it takes organic materials two to six months to full decompose, though this timeframe varies based on a number of factors, including the type and size of composter and materials.
What Not to Compost
Composting large amounts of protein (dairy, meat, peanut butter, bones, etc.) is not preferable for smaller compost piles, but this doesn’t mean it’s unsafe or impossible.
When composting these items, add extra leaves to the pile to help speed up the decomposition process, and do what’s necessary to prevent vermin from accessing the load.
Pros of Composting
Lightens the Load – Organic food waste is one of the densest and dirtiest types of waste found in garbage bins. By eliminating it, bins become much lighter and cleaner. This also makes it easy to identify misrouted waste, such as recyclables.
Supports Sustainable Packaging – As more businesses switch to compostable plant-based packaging, it’s important to facilitate the disposal of these items. Composting supports the transition to eco-friendly, non-plastic single-use items, helping limit landfill waste.
Improves Soil Quality – Turning organic waste into fertile soil eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizers, which oftentimes are harmful to the environment. Use the rich composter soil in your backyard and gardens, or donate it to local farms and community projects. One person’s waste is another person’s riches, and giving back in this way is a great example of a circular economy.
Cuts Costs – Through composting, households and businesses alike are able to divert 50 to 70 percent of their waste from the landfill. Lighter loads usually mean cost-savings, too.
Get Going
Does your city compost? If not, write a letter to your councillors asking them to add Composting to the City’s Budget. Together we can remove waste from the landfill, cut emissions, and turn rubbish to riches.
Interested in streamlining your business’ waste avenues? Contact us today!