The Importance of Composting

Did you know that, in America, nearly 40% of food is wasted every single year? Sadly, that is a lot of waste. There are many ways to reduce waste, such as shopping second hand, repurposing used items, and recycling. One less commonly talked about method of reducing waste is composting. Composting is simple enough for anyone to do, whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural area. It can be done at various scales, from small-scale backyard composting to large-scale municipal composting facilities.

Keep reading to learn more about composting and why it is important.

What is Composting?

Simply put, composting is the process of decomposing biodegradable materials like food scraps and yard waste to create humus, which is nutrient-rich soil. The soil produced over time is called compost. There are actually several types of composting: aerobic composting, vermicomposting, and anaerobic composting.

Aerobic composting is the kind we are covering today, and it is also the one that most people are familiar with. Vermicomposting uses earthworms to break down materials, and anaerobic composting utilizes fermentation to break down materials.

Composting Statistics*

  • 2.6 million tons of food are composted every year in the US.
  • Composting provides 4x the amount of jobs per ton than landfilling or incineration.
  • Between 2007 and 2012, curbside compost pickup increased nearly 240%.
  • Adults ages 18-29 are the most likely to own a composting bin.
  • California has the highest composting rate in the US.

*From coopeduplife.com

Why is Composting Important?

Composting is important because of all the benefits it provides, many of which we will explore later on. Among other things, composting reduces waste, benefits the environment, improves soil fertility, conserves water, and supports sustainable agriculture. Keep reading to learn more.

Composting Reduces Waste

Typically, waste like food scraps and yard trimmings end up in landfills. Composting reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which in turn reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal and extends the lifespan of landfills.

Composting Benefits the Environment

Because composting diverts waste from ending up in landfills, it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This results in a positive impact on air and water quality.

Composting Improves Soil Fertility

Composting enriches soil health and fertility by replenishing soil with essential nutrients and microorganisms. Compost improves soil structure, water retention, and aeration, making it an ideal medium for plant growth. Healthy soil is crucial for agriculture, as it supports the growth of nutritious crops, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and promotes biodiversity. Additionally, composting promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in soil. This can reduce the need for toxic pesticides, thus protecting air quality.

Composting Conserves Water

Compost improves soil structure, allowing soil to retain moisture and reducing the need for irrigation. Irrigation comes with environmental impact in the form of energy use and water pollution from runoff containing chemicals and pesticides. The reduced need for irrigation can help conserve water and improve water quality.

Composting Supports Sustainable Agriculture

Using compost makes it possible for farmers and gardeners to promote sustainable farming practices, by reducing their reliance on chemical inputs. It reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. The production, transportation, and application of these chemicals contribute to air and water pollution, soil degradation, and the loss of biodiversity.

Composting provides a natural alternative to synthetic inputs, reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals and promoting sustainable agriculture practices that are beneficial for the environment and human health.

What Can You Compost?

If you are interested in learning how to compost, you might be wondering what food waste and scraps can be composted. The list below is not comprehensive, but it is a starting point of what you can compost.

  • Egg shells
  • Coffee grounds
  • Paper coffee filters
  • Vegetable and fruit scraps (peels, stems, etc.)
  • Paper products like napkins and tissues
  • Leaves

What Can’t You Compost?

Before you begin composting, it is important to know exactly what you can’t compost. Composting any of the items below can attract rodents, increase odors, and delay the process of composting.

  • Plastic or plastic-coated products
  • Styrofoam
  • Oil, except in small amounts
  • Meat
  • Bones
  • Dairy
  • Cooked foods

If you are looking for more ways to reduce waste, consider composting! It is simple to start; just start adding your food scraps into a container. Once your scraps have turned to compost, use them to start a windowsill herb garden or any kind of garden.

Zero Waste Services in San Francisco

Composting isn’t the only way to reduce waste. Nor Cal Green Works specializes in zero waste management, which includes daily on-site trash sorting for commercial and residential facilities. If you own a business in the Bay Area, we’re here to help you achieve zero waste. Request a free quote today.