How Much Waste Can You Save by Composting?

Up to 25 percent of materials sent to landfills is compostable.

The average American creates 4.3 pounds of waste per day, according to the University of Kentucky. Instead of sending all that waste to the landfill, compost organic materials to help save the environment.

Facts

According to the University of Kentucky, between to 10 to 25 percent of the waste sent to landfills is made of compostable organic matter.

Types

Traditional composting uses the natural elements to decompose organic matter into compost. Vermicomposting uses worms to help speed up the decomposition process.

Considerations

Although most food wastes are compostable, some items such as meat scraps cannot be placed in the compost bin. Although composting is primarily for organic matter such as garden waste and table scraps, you may add shredded cardboard, newsprint and paper to the compost bin to further reduce your family's waste.

Benefits

Not only does composting save waste from being sent to the landfills, it creates organic matter suitable for use in your garden and replenishes eroded soil.

References

• University of Kentucky: Managing Household Waste
• EPA: Organic Materials