Home Composting

What Is Composting?

Composting is the managed, aerobic (oxygen-required) biological decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms. Organic (carbon-based) materials include grass clippings, leaves, yard and tree trimmings, and food scraps. The end product is compost, a biologically stable soil amendment that can be used to build soil health and provide nutrients to plants. Microorganisms feed on the materials added to the compost pile during the composting process. They use carbon and nitrogen to grow and reproduce, water to digest materials, and oxygen to breathe. 

You can compost at home using food scraps from your kitchen and dry leaves and woody material from your yard. 

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

Why Is Composting Important?

It Saves Money! You can save money by producing a free, high-quality soil amendment--compost--which reduced your use of fertilizer and pesticides. 

It's a New Way to Recycle! Composting is a resourceful way to recycle the food scraps and yard trim you generate at home all year and manage your waste more sustainably.

It Protects the Environment! You reduce the volume of materials that might otherwise be disposed of in landfills or trash incinerators – leaves, grass clippings, yard trim, and food scraps – and prevent powerful greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere. You can use your compost to build healthier soil, prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and improve plant growth in your garden and yard.

It's Fun! Composting involves minimal effort, equipment, expense, and expertise and can be a project for the whole family to enjoy together. 

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

Resources

United States Environmental Protection Agency

OSU Extension Service

OSU Extension Service: Compost Specialists 

How to Compost at Home: The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide