Hi! I’ve gotten into composting a lot more, and I try to do my best to compost everything that is compostable (Napkins, qtips, coffee grounds, etc) I even have a plastic bag I put all my compostables in, so I can put them in my bin when the bag is full. I even asked my coffee shop for their coffee grounds, which I’m hoping to make a weekly thing. What are some things you compost and do for the environment?
I live in an area where organic waste is collected to be recycled, which is why I’m not sure if I should be composting anyway, what do you suggest?
Edit: Thanks for the responses! I’ve looked at the benefits of composting in my area, and it seems that, not only I won’t pay organic waste, but I can get a discount on waste expenses. Pretty cool, I would like to start growing some veggies
I say start your own compost. Most stuff that gets recycled, I think 75% gets rejected, so start small with your compost. Add egg shells, banana peels, apple cores, newspapers to start. And grass clippings. Grass clippings will fill it up quick though.
Do you have any source saying a substantial amount of organics are rejected? I’ve seen that number attached to combined bin recycling (plastic/glass/metal). I don’t think compostables can be thought of the same because usually organics are processed regionally whereas inorganics are shipped internationally.
If the place that collects your compost offers it, using the compost they produce closes the loop and enables the program to continue. Some places also offer composted poop (after being treated) from municipal sewers. It makes a balanced fertilizer and you get to feel good about keeping nutrients out of the waterway your sewer treatment outlets to. I still compost some on my own because I grew up with a compost pile and I like tending it, but supporting the organizations that are reclaiming nutrients from whole cities is a priority for me.
I think it depends to a large extent on how effective your local collection service is. In my area, the waste is collected and methane gas is captured as part of the process, so presumably in my case it is better to use that communal service.
You would save money if you compost stuff yourself if you are planning to do some gardening or growing vegetables.