Why Food Waste Composting is a MUST?
Regardless of size or scale, the basic principles of composting are generally the same. The composting process requires a proper ratio of carbon-rich materials (such as dry leaves or wood chips) to nitrogen-rich materials (such as food scraps or grass clippings). Maintaining adequate moisture level, oxygen flow, particle size, and temperature ensures microorganisms effectively break down organic materials into quality compost.
The method of composting used, as well as the equipment, is often determined by the scale or size of the site and the volume and type of materials, or feedstocks, being composted. The feedstocks accepted vary by composting facility and should always be free of contaminants such as herbicides, non-compostable packaging, and produce stickers.
Composting can take place at many scales/sizes – backyard, community, on-farm, municipal and regional – and at a range of locations in urban to rural areas. A small-scale system can be as simple as a backyard compost pile or vermicomposting (worm composting) bin, whereas a large-scale system may be a centralized, commercial composting facility processing organic materials from around the region.
Benefits of Composting
Reduces the waste stream
Composting is a great way to recycle the organic waste we generate at home. Food scraps and garden waste combined make up more than 28 percent of what we throw away, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not only is food waste a significant burden on the environment, but processing it is costly. The average cost to landfill municipal solid waste in the United States was around $55 per ton in 2019. With the United States generating more than 267 million tons of municipal waste in 2017 and sending two-thirds of that to landfills and incinerators, we spent billions of dollars on waste management. Composting at home allows us to divert some of that waste from landfills and turn it into something practical for our yards.
Cuts methane emissions from landfills
Typically when organic matter decomposes, it undergoes aerobic decomposition, meaning that it’s broken down by microorganisms that require oxygen. When compostable waste goes to a landfill, it gets buried under massive amounts of other trash, cutting off a regular supply of oxygen for the decomposers. The waste then ends up undergoing anaerobic decomposition, being broken down by organisms that can live without free-flowing oxygen. During anaerobic decomposition, biogas is created as a by-product. This biogas is roughly 50 percent methane and 50 percent carbon dioxide, both of which are potent greenhouse gases, with methane being 28 to 36 times more effective than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a century. Although most modern landfills have methane capture systems, these do not capture all of the gas; according to the EPA, landfills are the third-largest source of human-generated methane emissions in the United States.
Improves soil health and lessens erosion
Compost is an essential tool for improving large-scale agricultural systems. Compost contains three primary nutrients needed by garden crops: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It also includes traces of other essential elements like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Instead of relying on synthetic fertilizers that contain harmful chemicals, composting offers an organic alternative. Research has shown the capability of compost to increase soil’s water retention capacity, productivity, and resiliency.
Conserves Water
Agriculture is a major consumer of water in the United States, accounting for approximately 80 percent of the nation’s water use, according to the EPA. Irrigation systems are effective but are expensive and time-consuming for farmers to manage. Additionally, water is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain across the country.
How can compost help? Research has shown the water-retaining capacities of soil increase with the addition of organic matter. In fact, each 1 percent increase in soil organic matter helps soil hold 20,000 gallons more water per acre. By using compost to foster healthy soil, farmers do not have to use as much water and can still have higher yields compared with farming with degraded soil.
Reduces personal food waste
Consumers are responsible for a staggering amount of wasted food. An average American family of four throws out about $150 worth of food per month, a 50 percent increase since the 1970s. NRDC research in three U.S. cities indicated that the category of edible food most wasted by households was fruits and vegetables. According to a 2016 report in The Guardian, U.S. retailers and consumers throw away about 60 million tons (or $160 billion) worth of produce annually. The best way to reduce impacts from food waste is to prevent waste from occurring in the first place, so NRDC works through its Save the Food campaign and other tools to educate consumers on how to shop for, prepare, and store food to minimize waste. However, even if we do everything possible to decrease food waste, there will still be food scraps that cannot be consumed (e.g., a banana peel). Composting is a great way to recycle those discards instead of tossing them in the trash.
Why REENCLE?
Reencle Electric Composter revolutionizes the decomposition process by effortlessly transforming 2.2 lbs of food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer in just 2-24 hours! Say goodbye to long waiting times and reduce up to 90% of your food waste effectively.