Composting

Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic matter with oxygen, also known as recycling organic matter. Microorganisms feast on organic material that is rich in carbon, turning it into stable soil carbon that plants eat, also known as high-quality fertilizer.

In this collection, you will learn how composting works, the different types of composting at home and on an industrial level, and what the deal is with compostable products. Composting is the purest example of a regenerative disposal practice, turning something back into a natural form in order to support the growth of something new.

How It Works: Composting

Let’s go over the basics of composting and why it’s beneficial.

Read article

5 minute read

arrow_forward

Types of Composting

Looking at the different methods for at-home and industrial composting.

Read article

3.5 minute read

arrow_forward

Composting Bioplastics

Compostable bioplastics have risen in popularity but what's the truth behind them?

Read article

3 minute read

arrow_forward

Definition: A technique for removing dissolved gas from a liquid or paste ↩

Definition: Preconsumer recyclate material doesn’t leave the industrial process. This is material that is left over during the production process. Pre-consumer recyclate is considered primary mechanical recycling because it is typically clean and does not require multiple cleansing steps. ↩

Definition: Postconsumer recyclate is material that has been used by consumers and is recycled. Post-consumer recyclate is considered secondary mechanical recycling because it requires further steps to clean and sanitize the recycled products. ↩

Definition: recycled material ↩

Definition: corrugated cardboard boxes. Corrugated refers to boxes with three separate layers of paper, two liners, and a corrugated (wavy) layer between them. Brown paper bags are commonly accepted with OCC for recycling. ↩

Definition: a collection method in which waste generators are required to source separate recyclables in to two (or more) separate bins (generally, paper fibers are placed in one bin and all other containers (plastics, aluminum, etc.) are placed in other bins). Multi-stream collection vehicles (that have separate compartments for each bin) then collect and transport recyclables to a multi-stream MRF that is specially configured to sort and process source separated recyclables. ↩

Definition: a system in which a household (or waste generator) places recyclables in a single commingled container. This material is then collected together in specially configured recycling trucks, and transported to a single stream MRF. ↩

Definition: capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. There is no time limit that defines a material as biodegradable. ↩

Definition: make organic waste into compost. ↩

Chemical fertilizers are fossil fuel intensive; using compost effectively reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and saves money for farmers and gardeners. ↩

Chemical fertilizers are fossil fuel intensive; using compost effectively reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and saves money for farmers and gardeners. ↩

Definition: Occurring, or existing in the absence of oxygen ↩

Definition: Occuring with oxygen ↩

Definition: to supply with air ↩

Brown organic material contains large amounts of carbon but little nitrogen. Brown material includes dry leaves, wood chips, and branches. ↩

Green organic material contains large amounts of nitrogen. This includes grass clippings, food scraps, and manure. ↩