Compost
“Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost is a key ingredient in organic farming. At its most essential, the process of composting requires simply piling up waste outdoors and waiting a year or more. Modern, methodical composting is a multi-step, closely monitored process with measured inputs of water, air and carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials. The decomposition process is aided by shredding the plant matter, adding water and ensuring proper aeration by regularly turning the mixture. Worms and fungi further break up the material. Aerobic bacteria manage the chemical process by converting the inputs into heat, carbon dioxide and ammonium. The ammonium is further converted by bacteria into plant-nourishing nitrites and nitrates through the process of nitrification.”
“Compost can be rich in nutrients. It is used in gardens, landscaping, horticulture, and agriculture. The compost itself is beneficial for the land in many ways, including as a soil conditioner, a fertilizer, addition of vital humus or humic acids, and as a natural pesticide for soil. In ecosystems, compost is useful for erosion control, land and stream reclamation, wetland construction, and as landfill cover). Compost can also be used to generate biogas through anaerobic digestion.”
(Wikipedia, Compost, 6/8/2011)
Disposal
Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Composting
Materials
Polyester Composting
Recent Journal Articles
To compost or not to compost: Carbon and energy footprints of biodegradable materials’ waste treatment
(1159-1171) Polymer Degradation and Stability 96 #6 (2011)
Hermann et al of Utrecht University, Netherlands and Organic Waste Systems, Belgium, compiled data-sets for the following biodegradable materials: paper, cellulose, starch, polylactic acid (PLA), starch/polycaprolactone (MaterBi), polybutyrate-adipate-terephthalate (PBAT, Ecoflex) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) on the basis of an extensive literature search, experiments and analogies with materials for which significant experience has been made The compost or digestate can replace soil conditioners supporting humus formation, which is a benefit that cannot be achieved artificially. Experimental data on biodegradable materials shows a range across the amount of carbon stored of these materials, and more trials will be required in the future to reduce these uncertainties. Experimental data has also shown that home and industrial composting differ in their emissions of nitrous oxide and methane, but it should be noted that data availability on home composting is limited. The results show that anaerobic digestion has the lowest footprint for the current level of technology, but incineration may become better in the future if energy efficiency in waste incineration plants improves significantly. Home composting is roughly equal to incineration with energy recovery in terms of carbon and energy footprint when carbon credits are considered. (RDC 6/7/2011)