Composting
Composting is a simple and effective way of disposing of food waste and other organic material, including certain paper products, tableware, and packaging. While most food waste and some paper products can be composted at home, most compostable paper products and packaging are designed to be composted in a commercial facility. We offer a wide range of compostable products — from household goods to business essentials, we have something convenient and eco-friendly for you. Learn more about composting and our compostable products below!
What is Composting?
Composting is the process of breaking down organic material into compost through the action of heat, moisture, and microbes. Compost enriches the soil, allowing it to retain helpful nutrients. Further, it's a material that can help reduce soil erosion and promote healthier plants grown in farms and gardens.
Most compostable products are designed to be composted in a commercial or municipal facility, which may not be available in all areas. While some products, such as napkins, can be composted at home, most compostable tableware and packaging will not break down in a home compost bin.
Every Cup Counts
363 million paper cups are used each day. Every year Americans add 500 million pounds of cups to landfills, just from paper cups. Their cups are lined with petroleum.
How does composting work?
During composting, microorganisms from the soil digest organic waste and break it down into its simplest parts. This produces a fiber-rich, carbon-containing material with mineral nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The microorganisms break the material down through aerobic respiration and require oxygen from the air. You introduce the required oxygen when you turn the material in the compost pile. The microorganisms also require water to live and multiply. Through the respiration process, the microorganisms give off heat — temperatures within compost piles can rise as high as 100 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (38 to 66 C). In a properly managed compost pile, managed by turning and watering it regularly, the process of decomposing into finished compost can happen in 90 days.
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Additional Resources
A helpful list of websites to make composting easier for you and your friends. Pass it on! Do you have a composting resource that would be helpful here? Click here to us your composting suggestions!