Why Compost?


(Report from Liam,1/24/21)


Short Answer


When you compost organic waste, you reduce greenhouse gases and improve the soil. When you put it in landfills, you produce huge amounts of methane which is a major contributor to climate change.


Long Answer


1, Organic waste is the largest waste stream in California.


Organics like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard make up half of what Californians dump in landfills.

2. When organic waste goes to landfills, it produces a huge amount of METHANE - a super climate pollutant which is much more potent than carbon dioxide.


  • Organic waste in landfills emits 20% of the state’s methane.

  • When organic waste is dumped in landfills, it undergoes anaerobic decomposition (because of the lack of oxygen) and generates methane. When released into the atmosphere, methane is 84 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

  • It also emits air pollutants like Fine Particulate Matter 2.5, which contributes to health conditions like asthma.

  • Reducing Short-Lived Climate Super Pollutants like organic waste will have the fastest impact on the climate crisis.

3. When you compost your organic waste, it provides nutrients for plants to grow, which leads to absorbing greenhouse gases instead of producing them!


  • Enriches the soil

  • Helps retain moisture

  • Suppresses plant diseases and pests

  • Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers

  • Encourages production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter.

  • Reduces food waste, as kitchen scraps can go in it.

  • Increased resilience to climate change

  • Saves .25 metric tons of methane for every ton put in