Organic residuals are a valuable resource
Organic residuals comprise over 60% of the waste stream and are resources that have the ability to feed the soil which in turn will feed us! Compost is a product created from the managed decomposition of organic materials (i.e., plant, animal, and fungi residuals). It is a beneficial soil amendment that can improve the soil’s chemical, physical, and biological properties. It is generally produced from landscape debris (e.g., leaves and brush), food scraps (e.g., fruit and veggie peels), and other once-living things.
Composting is a powerful waste diversion tool that enables everyone to significantly reduce the amount of material they send to landfills or waste combustion facilities. Recycling organic materials into compost saves money; reduces greenhouse gas emissions; produces a valuable soil amendment that can benefit farms, gardens, landscapes, and athletic fields.
Different types of composting systems exist and it is important to utilize the right one. The type of composting system used depends on several factors including available space, budget, labor, and the amount of organic waste generated.
Materials on siting and operation of large composting facilities and marketing composts address the needs of municipalities, farms and private operators.
Materials address composting as a method to manage livestock mortalities (including mass mortalities resulting from avian influenza), butcher wastes and road killed animals.
Materials address composting of small amounts of material at residences, schools and restaurants.
Materials address the science of composting and methods for managing the process.
Materials address composting with worms, vermicompost, and composting of food waste, horse manure, mixed solid waste and degradable plastics.
Other Composting Resources
- Best Management Practices for Horse Manure Composting on Small Farms. 9p document published by Rutgers University. 2006
- Compost...because a rind is a terrible thing to waste! 65p manual with accompanying videos: 30-minute video and a 7- minute video used to promote food scrap composting in large institutions. 1996..
- Compost Case Studies. Food scrap composting at large institution. 1998.
- Degradable Plastics Update. 1p document regarding biodegradation of plastics in compost facilities. 2006.
- Fate of Ivermectin in Manure Composting. 9-page research summary. 2011.
- How Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) is Affected by the Composting Process. Trends in Animal & Veterinary Sciences Journal 2(1):5-10. 2011.
- Improving Turf and Soil Health, Reducing Energy Use and Assessing Tick Populations by Mulching Leaves in Place. Journal Article in Compost Science and Utilization. Volume 31, Issue 3-4 pages 116-132, 2024.
- MSW Composting Fact Sheet Series. 7 fact sheets addressing municipal solid waste composting. 1993.
- Reducing the New York City Waste Stream: The Potential Role for Composting. 38p report. 1998.
- The Effect of Denim Fabric as a Feedstock in Large Scale Composting of Manure/Bedding and Food Scraps. Journal Article in Compost Science and Utilization. Volume 31, Issue 1-2 pages 61-73, 2024.
- Yard Waste Management - A Planning Guide for NYS. 110p document. 1990
- Vermicompost - A Living Soil Amendment. 9-min video about the vermicomposting process as a technology that transforms organic wastes into resources and the use of vermicompost for plant nutrient management and the suppression of plant diseases. Studies from the research included here as well.