The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines composting as the managed, aerobic (oxygen-required) biological decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms. When we compost in our backyard, the goal is to create the perfect conditions and food for microorganisms to eat. The Sustainability Department at Yale University provides a simple graphic showing this process. Throughout this process, there are many benefits to the composter and our environment!
Backyard composting provides an opportunity to use yard trimmings, grass clippings, fallen leaves, and kitchen scraps to create an environment for many types of microbes and other decomposers to transform these materials into rich organic matter that can be added directly to the soil. The ability to divert these scraps from the landfill provides one of the most important benefits of composting.
Reduces Waste
The Institute for Local Self Reliance estimates that 50% of U.S. municipal trash is compostable. These materials include leaves, pine needles, grass clippings, other yard trimmings, and kitchen food scraps. Approximately 21% of home trash is food scraps. Composting kitchen food scraps reduces the production of methane in landfills and increases the resiliency of our environment.
Improves Soil
The product of backyard composting is called humus, a nutrient-rich, dark organic matter that is formed when microbes and other decomposers eat the organic brown and green materials in a compost pile. Finished compost (humus) can be added directly to the soil in planting beds, containers, and even house plants. No chemical fertilizers are needed when compost is added to the soil, and it helps regenerate poor soil by increasing porosity.
One inch of compost added to a home lawn will provide nutrients for turfgrass and begin to enhance the soil in the landscape.
Reduces Stormwater Runoff and Soil Erosion
Applying compost to the soil increases the soil’s ability to hold water. Compost can act as a physical barrier that slows the flow of water. When compost is incorporated into the soil, it will help clay soil, the most common soil-type for our area, become more permeable and able to absorb water. This helps the soil absorb stormwater rather than having the stormwater run off into streets and ditches.
Protects the Climate
In addition to reducing methane emissions from landfills, compost stores carbon by enhancing plant health. Composting adds natural fertilizer to the soil which improves plant growth.
The Institute for Local Self Reliance provides an analysis of one bag of household trash and the consequences of adding trash to a landfill in contrast with the value of creating compost from yard trimmings and food scraps.
How to Compost at Home
Experience these benefits in your own landscape by learning more about backyard composting. The Montgomery County Master Gardeners offer a hands-on outdoor composting class on the first Saturday of each month from November to March. Registration is not required. Walk in to attend our free class and dig in to experience backyard composting!
