Organic waste contains various chemicals that help with the natural decomposition process in composting.

• Carbohydrates (cellulose and glucose)
• Proteins (amino acids)
• Lipids (fats, oils)
• Nitrogen compounds (ammonia, nitrates)
• Phosphates (from food and plant material)
• Sulfur compounds (hydrogen sulfide, sulfates)
• Minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium)

Here are 10 examples of organic waste:

1. Fruit/vegetable peels
2. Coffee grounds/tea bags
3. Eggshells
4. Grass clippings
5. Fallen leaves
6. Paper towels
7. Food leftovers
8. Animal manure
9. Plant clippings
10. fireplace ashes

Organic recycling is the process of converting organic waste materials—such as food waste, paper, and agricultural waste—into valuable products like compost, biogas, and soil conditioners. This procedure is ideal to -

• reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills
• recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem and
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions

The best ways to recycle organic waste are:

Composting

• Home composting: Using a compost bin for yard waste
• Vermicomposting: Using worms to break down waste
• Municipal composting: Participating in local composting programs

Anaerobic Digestion

• Biogas production: Generating renewable energy from waste

Bokashi Fermentation

• Fermenting a wide range of organic waste, including meat and dairy

Animal Feed

• Repurposing certain food scraps as livestock feed

Choose the right recycling program to reduce landfill use, and create valuable by-products.