Composting Project

Objective

The primary objective of the Composting project is to establish a composting system on the premises of the organization. Providing educational opportunities and fostering environmental consciousness among the community. This project aims to reduce between 300 to 500lb per month of organic waste originally destined for landfills per 100 sqft, enhance the organization's sustainability efforts, and engage the community in hands-on environmental education.

Composting Benefits

Reduces landfill waste
Diverts food scraps, and yard trimmings from going to landfills, by reducing organic waste we decrease the amount of methane emissions going into the environment.

Creates nutrient-Rich Soil
Transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, usually referred to as black gold. Provides essential nutrients capable of restoring damaged soil while improving water holding capacity.

Mitigates climate change
Organic waste in landfills decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), leading to methane emissions. Composting breaks down aerobically (with oxygen) producing CO2 which is less potent than methane.

Reduces water usage
Compost improves soil water retention capacity, reducing the need for irrigation.

Improves soil erosion
Provides essential nutrients to vegetation improving their ability to develop strong root systems.

What is methane?

Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas. It is composed of carbon and hydrogen. It is the main component found in natural gas, which fuels industrial plants, powers homes, and runs air conditioners, among other applications.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, it is also a potent greenhouse gas, meaning it affects climate change by contributing to increased warming. Methane enters the atmosphere via human-related activities and natural sources.

Where do methane emissions come from?

Raising livestock.
Leaks from natural gas systems.
Landfills and waste from homes and businesses.

What would reducing methane emissions this decade prevent?

255,000 premature deaths.
775,000 asthma-related hospital visits.
The loss of 73 billion hours of labor.
The loss of 26 million tons of crops.

What CAN be composted?

Cardboard (uncoated, small pieces)
Coffee grounds and filters
Eggshells
Fireplace ashes (from natural wood only)
Fruits and Vegetables
Grass clippings
Hair and fur
Hay and straw
Houseplants
Leaves
Newspaper (shredded)
Nutshells
Paper (uncoated, small pieces)
Sawdust
Tea bags
Wood chips
Yard trimmings

What SHOULD NOT be composted?

Black walnut tree leaves or twigs (releases substances that may be harmful to plants)
Coal or charcoal ash (may contain substances harmful to plants)
Dairy products and eggs (create odor problems and attract pests)
Diseased or insect-ridden plants (diseases or insects mat survive and transfer to other plants)
Fats, grease, lard, and oils (odor problem and attracts pests)
Meat or fish bones and scraps (odor problem and attracts pests, might also carry pathogens)
Pet feces or litter (may contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans)
Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides (might kill beneficial composting organisms)

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