How do we count the whys? First, to reduce organic waste going into landfills that contribute to climate change, to save yourself money, and resources, to reduce your trash. The result—a healthier earth, no more smelly trash, free soil, and improved soil. Food waste and associated compostable waste in Monroe County municipal trash make up to 40% of the waste stream. Food waste that decomposes in a landfill, creates methane, a greenhouse gas which at most landfills is released directly into the atmosphere through vents. Methane is more potent than carbon dioxide as a warming greenhouse gas, and contributes to climate change.

Composting is easy to do and has loads of benefits. By tossing in your food scraps (veggies, grains, fruits) with an equal part of brown organics (leaves, twigs, dried grass, etc.) rich compost is created. Using compost on your yard and/garden and flowering plants returns valuable nutrients to help recharge and maintain soil quality and fertility, along with naturally fertilizing plants replacing the need for harmful chemicals. Everyone has food scraps and everyone can make a difference in reducing waste and climate change. The District is here to help you year-round if you have questions regarding the composting process. Order your choice of compost bin today and get composting! Please refer to this website for more information about backyard composting: https://indianarecycling.org/food-waste-composting/

And more info on composting from the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/wasted-food-programs-and-resources-across-united-states

Want to learn more? Check out this cool video: