We have been recycling for years, but what do we know about composting? Here, we break it down for you.

Composting is a natural process that transforms organic materials, like food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment known as compost. This process involves the decomposition of organic stuff by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen.

Overall, when you trash your food with other regular materials, you are not providing adequate conditions for your waste to decompose. Not having the right conditions to break down these materials means more waste in our landfills and more emissions. Food waste that goes to landfills produces methane, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Photo of Book Cover "I Can Reuse and Recycle"

Compost instead of Trash

If you are interested in composting, here are some common items you can compost:

• Greens (Nitrogen-rich materials)

• Fruit and vegetable scraps

• Coffee grounds and filters

• Tea bags

• Grass clippings

• Eggshells

• Bread and grains

• Browns (Carbon-rich materials)

• Dry leaves

• Cardboard and paper (shredded)

• Nutshells

• Dryer lint

It’s simple to separate these items and do your part by disposing of them in compost bins. Many companies, including Glad and Simple Human, have created compostable bags that are also accepted in compost bins.

Composting reduces emissions primarily by diverting organic waste from landfills, reducing the need for transporting waste long distances to landfills. By returning valuable nutrients to the soil, composting also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which are energy-intensive to produce and can release greenhouse gases during their manufacture and application. Learn more about composting here.