What Is Composting?

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0:06 What Is Composting?
2:07 Benefits of Composting
2:48 Examples of Composting
4:25 Lesson Summary

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Lesson Transcript

Instructor: Margaret Cunningham

Margaret has taught many Biology and Environmental Science courses and has Master's degrees in Environmental Science and Education.

In this lesson, we will explore the unique method of waste disposal where items are encouraged to rot. We will investigate the composting process, the benefits of composting, and examples of different types.

Imagine you see an old tree that has fallen in the forest. Most likely, the tree would be breaking apart and have other organisms growing on it or in it. What you would be observing is the process of decomposition, which is the breakdown of materials. Decomposition is also often referred to as decay or rot.

The process of natural decomposition is very important to one type of waste disposal. Composting is a form of waste disposal where organic waste decomposes naturally under oxygen-rich conditions. Although all waste will eventually decompose, only certain waste items are considered compostable and should be added to compost containers. Food waste, such as banana peels, coffee grinds and eggshells, are great items to compost. Adding meat products to compost should be avoided because as it decomposes, it will attract large animals and will smell very badly!

In addition to food waste, yard waste, such as grass clippings and leaves, can also be added to compost containers. These items will help increase decomposition and help reduce odor as materials break down. As with household food waste, there are also some types of yard waste that should be avoided. Perennial weeds, which are plants that come back year after year, should not be added to compost because they will grow back and spread.

Once these waste items are placed in a pile, the composting process can start. The organic materials are broken down naturally by earthworms, bacteria and other organisms that live in soil. Although the composting process can occur without any further human involvement, most composting involves the addition of water and oxygen - which occurs by turning the compost - to speed up the overall process. After several months, when all the organic material is broken down, the final product is created and is often referred to as humus.

Benefits of Composting

As of 2013, over 27% of all municipal solid waste in the United States was comprised of yard and food waste. By composting these items, it makes it possible to reduce the overall amount of waste being sent to landfills and mass-burn incinerators.

In addition to reducing waste, the process of composting also creates a usable product. The final compost, humus, is nutrient-rich and can be used to amend poor soils and fertilize gardens instead of using chemical fertilizers. The added compost also helps soil retain water and therefore can improve growing conditions.

Examples of Composting

Although decomposition can occur anywhere naturally, composting is more controlled and occurs in two different types of locations. Composting can occur on a large scale through a city or town's municipality. As of 2012, there were over 3,000 municipal composting programs in the United States. Combined, these facilities recycle around 37% of yard waste in the country. This example of composting involves the collection of waste from households and businesses and the transportation of the waste to a compost facility.

At the facility, the waste is ground up into small pieces and placed in rows of long piles, referred to as windrows. Workers regularly turn the piles to increase oxygen levels and allow the materials to decompose. Once the materials have decomposed completely, the compost is often sifted and sold as fertilizer.

Composting can also occur on a small scale by individuals. This example of composting most often occurs in people's backyards. Unlike large-scale composting, where waste is processed in large, long piles, small-scale composting is normally more contained.

One of the most common types of small-scale composting is the creation of a three-bin compost system. This type of compost system has three compartments with compost at different stages. It allows people to manage more compost in a smaller area by moving materials between bins as they break down. The compost in the final bin is completely broken down and can be applied to gardens or flowerbeds.

Lesson Summary

Next time you go to throw out food waste in your normal trash, consider creating a compost container. Composting is a form of waste disposal where organic waste decomposes naturally under oxygen-rich conditions. The most common items composted include organic food waste and yard waste. When these items are placed in a pile, have water added to them and are turned to increase oxygen levels, the perfect environment is created for microbial organisms to naturally break down the organic materials. The final compost product, often called humus, is full of good nutrients and can be used to fertilize plants, amend poor soil and aid in water retention.

Whether composting is happening on the large scale by municipalities or on the small scale by individuals, it is always beneficial. Composting not only creates beneficial humus, but it also greatly reduces the amount of waste being added to landfills or sent to mass-burn incinerators. If you are looking for a quick, simple and effective way to help the environment, building a compost pile in your backyard or encouraging your city to start composting are great ways to help out.

Learning Outcomes

After you've reviewed this video lesson, you will be able to:

Explain what composting is and identify kinds of waste that can be composted
Describe what humus is and tell how it can be used
Discuss the advantages of composting
Summarize how municipalities and individuals can compost

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Visit the Environmental Science 101: Environment and Humanity page to learn more.

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Video: What Is Composting? - Definition and Examples

What Is Composting? - Definition and Examples

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