Decomposition: Compost Creates, Landfills Waste
Not all decomposition is the same.
In all our conversations about composting, we use the term "decomposition" quite often. Decomposition refers to the process where organic matter—like food scraps, plant materials, wood chips, and leaves—breaks down into a fine, soil-like material. Our compost heroes, the decomposers, are tiny microbes like bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. These hardworking microbes break down organic material and transform it into nutrient-rich compost.
While we love all decomposers, they aren't all the same. They fall into two camps: anaerobic and aerobic decomposers.
Aerobic Decomposers: The Oxygen Lovers
Aerobic organisms require oxygen to survive. Many life forms, including humans, need oxygen to convert sugars into energy. Aerobic microbes work similarly, and they play a key role in composting.
Anaerobic Decomposers: The Anti-Oxygens
There is another group of microbes that thrive without oxygen—anaerobic decomposers. These organisms kick into gear when oxygen isn’t available, and the results can be problematic, especially in landfills. Let’s explore how this affects food waste.
The Problem with Landfills
When food scraps are tossed into the trash, they end up in landfills where they take up precious space. Unfortunately, landfills aren't designed for proper aerobic decomposition. Food waste, often buried under layers of plastic and other materials, is deprived of oxygen. This slows down decomposition and invites anaerobic decomposers to take over.
Why does this matter? Anaerobic decomposition produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Methane is at least 28 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide! When organic waste like food scraps ends up in a landfill, it contributes to methane emissions, worsening the climate crisis. The solution? Keeping food waste out of landfills—and that’s where composting comes in!
Our Hero: The Compost Pile
Composting is an incredibly effective way to divert food waste from landfills. When food scraps are composted, either at home or at work, they are mixed with carbon-rich materials such as wood chips and leaves, and air is pumped into the piles regularly. This creates the perfect aerobic environment for oxygen-loving microbes to thrive. Turning the compost regularly helps keep it oxygenated, speeding up the decomposition process without producing methane.
Instead of harmful gases, these aerobic microbes create nutrient-rich compost that can be used to grow healthy plants. The added benefit? Composting helps sequester carbon, pulling it from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil. This is a win-win for our climate: reducing methane emissions and helping to lock away carbon!
By composting your food scraps, you're not only preventing waste but also helping Nashville and Franklin become more sustainable communities. We’ll handle the dirty work for you—turning your food waste into valuable compost.
