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3.4.4. Composting

What is composting?

Composting is a natural process that recycles organic matter, such as leaves and food
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composting food waste and greenhouse gas emissions are also reduced.

Compost is the resulting decomposed matter that is rich in nutrients and can be used for gardening,
horticulture, and agriculture.

Benefits of Composting
Composting is a great way to reduce the waste stream, as well as the emission of greenhouse
gases. Some of its benefits are:

1. Eco-friendly process
2. No harmful by-products most of the times
3. Reduces the space taken from waste in the landfills
4. Improves the soil structure and the water retention ability
Healthier soil = healthier and more growing plants
more water in the soil = plants with deeper roots, preventing soil erosion
5. Costs less

Disadvantages of Composting
Despite the benefits of composting there are some drawbacks as well (Green Coast, 2019):

1. Unpleasant smell, when there is no oxygen (anaerobic) there is a small amount of methane
emissions
2. Takes time
3. If not done properly, it can spread diseases
4. Requires plenty of work

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the
views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the

information contained therein.