Recycling is not a fad. It
is a reality. It is here to stay. The only changes we will
see are those which will increase efficiency and reduce
expenses relative to material handling and processing.
In our little state of Rhode
Island each year we send approximately 225,000 tons of food
waste to the Landfill in Johnston. How much of it was yours?
Yard waste comprises as much as 20% of the total solid waste
stream. While food waste generates methane gas and leachates
when buried, leaves and yard waste take up very valuable
landfill space. There is an alternative! As landfill space
becomes more limited disposal costs are going to increase.
Many states already have regulations banning the improper
disposal, incineration or burial of these materials. Both
of these commodities can be recycled through composting.
Food waste can almost entirely
be composted at home with the exception of meat scraps,
bones and oily material. Yard waste composting is an excellent
way to manage grass, leaves and garden debris. Due to the
shear volume the bulk of these materials will still need
to go to the a proper collection facility where they can
be processed and composted in volume.
Families and individuals generated
half of the food waste generated. The balance comes from
schools, restaurants and other institutions. As a responsible
citizen there is something you can do.......home composting.
Modern, efficient, low cost systems are available to accommodate
both yard and food waste generated at the household level.
Not only will you be doing something good for our environment,
you will be making your trash management easier. Depending
upon where you live you will even save money, especially
if you pay for disposal by weight.
Proper composting practices
pose no health threat, will not attract animals and, most
importantly, will help you save money on both the disposal
What can I compost?
Any organic material will break down, but not everything
belongs in your compost pile.
Do
use:
leaves,
grass clippings, hedge trimmings
garden wastes, weeds
kitchen vegetable and fruit scraps, tea leaves
coffee grounds, egg shells, saw dust
Do
NOT use:
diseased
plants, meats, fish or dairy products
oily foods, fats or grease
manures from meat eating animals
plants which are toxic to other plants (Ivy, English laurel,
rhododendron)
Return to the Introduction to Yard Waste
