From Waste to Gold: The Art of Composting
What is composting?
Composting is the aerobic process by which organic decaying material (e.g. food scraps) is converted to a natural, soil-like fertilizer rich in nutrients and humus (an organic material formed by decaying plant and animal matter). It turns food waste into agricultural gold.
There are two basic paths to composting: at home in your backyard or – particularly if you don’t have a big backyard - in community composting. With community composting, you collect food scraps in a container in your kitchen and periodically you hand them over to a professional who does the rest.
If you want to do it yourself or have already begun in your backyard, you might want to learn some of the types of composting you can do and see which is best for you.
There are several methods of composting, including
Vermicomposting: Using red worms in bins to break down organic matter into “castings” (a high-quality compost material)
Aerated (Turned) Windrow Composting: Forming long piles of organic waste into rows called “windrows” that must be turned or “aerated” periodically
Aerated Static Pile Composting: Layering aerating bulking agents like wood chips on top of organic waste in a large pile
In-Vessel Composting: Containing composting material in a drum, silo or another vessel that can be turned or mixed.
Note that all the above methods of composting are aerobic: they depend on aeration, or the introduction of air, in order for oxygen to reach the microorganisms that break down organic matter in the compost pile..
Bokashi composting is another process of converting organic material to an enriching soil amendment, although it differs from the others because it’s actually an anaerobic fermentation process. The Bokashi method produces a “compost tea” by layering kitchen scraps and an inoculant made from wheat germ, wheat bran, or sawdust combined with molasses and effective microorganisms in a sealed bucket.
What are the benefits of composting?
Reducing waste: Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, where it would otherwise produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By reducing methane emissions, composting can help to mitigate climate change and improve air quality.
Producing a valuable soil amendment: Compost can be used to improve soil quality and fertility, which can benefit plants and agriculture.
Saving money: Composting reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and can save money on waste disposal costs.
Supporting sustainable practices: Composting is a natural process that supports sustainable practices by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Conserving resources: Composting reduces the need for water, energy, and other resources used in the production and transportation of chemical fertilizers.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Composting can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Start Composting!
In order to choose a composting method that best suits your lifestyle, consider these factors:
Space: Choose a method suitable to your available space, whether you have a small balcony or a large garden.
Time: Some composting methods require more attention and effort than others, so consider how much time you have to dedicate to composting.
Materials: Certain composting methods work better with certain types of materials, such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, or animal manure.
Climate: The climate in your region can affect the composting process. For example a closed system may be more effective in colder regions..
Odor: Some composting methods produce less odor than others. If odor is a concern, consider a method that is enclosed or well-ventilated.
End use: Consider what you plan to do with the finished compost. If you want to use it in your garden, choose a method that produces a high-quality compost.
Sign up / subscribe to a local composting service, such as
Bennett Compost
Circle Compost
The Community Compost Network