The Challenge: Composting

Why?

Nearly half of the solid waste produced around the world is organic or biodegradable, meaning it can be decomposed over a few weeks or months. A key contributor to trash flow is food waste, as well as wastelike leaf litter from yards. Today, much of it ends up in landfills where it decays in the absence of oxygen, producing the potent greenhouse gas methane (thirty-four times more powerful than carbon dioxide). When organic matter is diverted to composting, it can dramatically reduce emissions.*

How?

Composting can range in scale from backyard bins to commercial operations. The process allows bacteria, protozoa, and fungi to chow down on organic matter rich in carbon, converting organic material into incredibly valuable fertilizer.*

 

If you are interested in learning how to begin composting at home, we’ll be holding an Intro to Home Composting event on Tuesday, April 11 • 6pm with Ulster County Resource & Recovery Agency. 

Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency’s Guides to Home Composting:

Home Composting Guide (ENGLISH)

Home Composting Guide (SPANISH)

 using finished compost

*Hawken, P. (2017). Drawdown: The most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming. Penguin Books.