Biodegradable waste, like other pieces of trash, can be thrown out in trash bins, then sent to landfills, where its natural decomposition process will begin. However, the most environmentally beneficial and widely recommended method for much of this waste is composting.
Understanding Biodegradable Waste Disposal
Biodegradable waste refers to materials that can be broken down by microorganisms and other living organisms into natural substances, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. This category primarily includes organic materials like food scraps, yard waste, and some natural fiber products. While all biodegradable items will eventually break down, the environment in which they decompose significantly impacts the outcome.
Composting: The Preferred Method
Composting is an accelerated decomposition process that transforms organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. It's considered the most environmentally friendly option for biodegradable waste because it:
- Reduces Landfill Waste: Diverts organic materials from landfills, saving valuable space.
- Creates Valuable Resource: Produces compost that enhances soil fertility, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and improves water retention.
- Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Prevents the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in landfills, which produces potent methane gas.
Home Composting
Home composting is an excellent way to manage kitchen and yard waste directly at home.
- Suitable Items:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags (staple-free)
- Eggshells
- Yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, small twigs)
- Shredded newspaper (in moderation)
- Quick Tips for Success:
- Maintain a good balance of "greens" (nitrogen-rich, like food scraps) and "browns" (carbon-rich, like leaves and dry materials).
- Keep the pile moist but not waterlogged, like a damp sponge.
- Turn the compost pile regularly to aerate it and speed up decomposition.
- Avoid meat, dairy, oily foods, and pet waste, as these can attract pests and create odors.
- Learn more about effective home composting practices from resources like the EPA's composting guide.
Community and Industrial Composting
Many communities offer programs for collecting organic waste, often through "green bins" or designated drop-off sites. Industrial composting facilities can handle a broader range of materials than home composters due to their ability to maintain higher temperatures and more controlled conditions.
- Accepted Materials (vary by facility):
- Food scraps (including meat, dairy, and cooked foods often not suitable for home composting)
- Yard waste
- Compostable packaging (certified compostable plastics, paper products)
- Learn about your local composting options by visiting your city's waste management website.
Landfill Disposal: The Conventional Approach
Like other pieces of trash, biodegradable items can be thrown out in trash bins, then sent to landfills, where the biodegradation process will begin naturally. However, landfills are not optimized for decomposition.
- Decomposition in Landfills: The rate of biodegradation will depend on the material itself, as well as environmental factors such as air, water, and temperature. Landfills are typically designed to minimize air and water penetration to prevent groundwater contamination, which creates an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment.
- Environmental Impact: In an anaerobic environment, biodegradable materials break down much more slowly and produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas, rather than nutrient-rich compost. While many modern landfills capture some methane for energy, it's a less efficient and less beneficial process than composting.
Biodegradable vs. Compostable: A Key Distinction
It's important to understand the difference between items labeled "biodegradable" and "compostable."
| Feature | Biodegradable | Compostable |
|---|---|---|
| Breakdown | Breaks down naturally over time | Breaks down into nutrient-rich humus |
| Environment | Can break down in various environments (e.g., landfill, soil, water) over varying timescales | Requires specific composting conditions (e.g., heat, moisture, microbes) to break down efficiently |
| Result | May leave behind residue; breakdown is not always beneficial for soil quality | Creates beneficial soil amendment; no toxic residue |
| Certification | No standard certification; term can be vague | Often requires certification (e.g., BPI, TÜV Austria) for industrial composting |
Just because something is biodegradable doesn't mean it should be put in your home compost pile or even a commercial composting facility without verification. Always check packaging labels and local guidelines.
Practical Tips for Disposing of Biodegradable Waste
- Check Local Regulations: Waste disposal rules vary significantly by municipality. Always consult your local waste management authority for specific guidelines on what can be composted, recycled, or put in the trash.
- Separate Your Waste: Make it a habit to separate organic waste from other recyclables and general trash. This makes it easier to direct items to the correct disposal stream.
- Reduce Waste at the Source: The best approach is to minimize the amount of waste you generate in the first place.
- Educate Yourself: Understand what labels like "biodegradable," "compostable," and "recyclable" truly mean in your area.
What NOT to Do with Biodegradable Waste
- Do not flush down drains: Unless a product is specifically certified as flushable and designed for wastewater systems, avoid flushing biodegradable items (like certain wet wipes or cat litter) as they can cause plumbing issues and negatively impact water treatment facilities.
- Avoid placing in general recycling bins: While some biodegradable items are made from paper or cardboard, food-soiled items or bioplastics can contaminate traditional recycling streams, leading to entire batches of recyclables being diverted to landfills.
