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When organic waste such as food scraps, paper, leaves and yard trimmings decompose naturally, compost or manure is produced. This process of facilitation of decomposition of organic matter is called composting. Decomposing organisms such as insects, worms, bacteria and fungi help in transforming matter into compost. Compost is an excellent source of nutrients for plants and is used as a fertilizer on the farms and on lawns and gardens.

Several factors affect the decomposition process: carbon to nitrogen ratio of the material, amount of surface area exposed, oxygen in the pile, moisture and temperature inside and outside the pile.

Composting can be done by the fence of your backyard or in “digestors” used in the industry to decompose organic waste.

Composting Facts

According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 56% of yard trimmings were composted in 2003.

When 21.3 million tons of food residuals are composted, green gas emissions are reduced – equivalent of taking more than two million cars off the road.

Advantages

• Composting is easy. It can be done at home, on farms or industrial plants.
• It helps reduce the amount of garbage going to the landfills. It is an environmentally sound practice.
• Composting is inexpensive. No equipment is required to be purchased. For a minimal cost, a composting bin can be made or purchased.
• Composting reduces your garbage disposal cost as your garbage is reduced.
• Composting produces natural fertilizer for your lawn and garden.