Organics / Composting

Composting

Composting is a managed biological process where organic matter is decomposed under aerobic (in the presence of oxygen) and thermophilic conditions (temperature above 45 ° C).

Compost is the stable humus-like material produced from the composting process.

In Alberta, organics (e.g. leaves, yard trimmings and food scraps) are often sent to landfills, where they degrade over decades under anaerobic conditions. This degradation produces greenhouse gases and leachate (fluid that collects at the bottom of the landfill), which can pollute our air and water if not carefully managed.

Composting is an effective way of diverting organics from landfills and processing them into a valuable soil amendment for use in agricultural and urban areas. Adding compost to soil increases its ability to hold water and boosts its nutrient and organic matter content. These attributes allow compost to stimulate plant growth. It can also be used to control erosion on steep slopes, thereby protecting water quality.

Done properly, composting is an environmentally friendly way of preserving nutrients in Alberta's nutrient cycle and can be done in small and large scale settings: in an apartment or condo (vermi-composting), at home in the backyard or at a local municipality or a central compost facility. Composting is sustainable since organic residuals exist, can be processed and ultimately used as a soil amendment in all communities. A variety of technologies can be tailored to suit local conditions and meet the needs of the community.

Composting is used throughout Alberta by municipalities, private waste management operators and homeowners. Some municipalities encourage homeowner participation by providing subsidized compost bins and associated training seminars. Contact your local municipality for more information about composting programs.

The Composting Council of Canada provides an overview of information regarding composting throughout Canada.

The Draft Standards for Composting Facilities in Alberta contain best management practices to protect water quality and encourage good relationships between composting facilities and their neighbours. Special provisions were developed for small facilities only accepting leaf and yard waste, to encourage the diversion of this material from landfill.