Q:What is composting?
A: Composting is the natural process of turning various organic materials into a substance called humus. It is an excellent nutrient-rich soil
amendment. Compost also makes an excellent fertilizer or mulch; if you make it yourself, you won't have to purchase things like fertilizer and mulch for the garden. One of the most valuable aspects
of composting is that it is a form of recycling that effectively keeps many common garbage items (food scraps, for example) out of the landfill.
Q: What is the environmental impact of organic waste recycling?
A: What are the benefits of composting?
- Its recycles what the Earth has provided to produce more local food. Using a nutrient rich, organic soil produces healthier, nutrient full foods! In a time when
healthy food isn’t economically accessible to all income ranges, we want to support our urban farms that make it accessible.
- Composting eliminates up to 1/3 of the waste previously thrown into landfills.
- Using compost adds to and rebuilds the integrity of soil and in turn reduces dangerous runoff into our river systems. In the Washington DC Metro area this is a
very important issue as the sewer system is combined with the strom water system resulting in overflow events where residential waste from garbage disposals and sewage overflow into the Anacostia
River.
- Working outside with your compost or urban farm, or being a part of a building with a common initiative, creates opportunity to meet with neighbors and build
community.
All in all, you support local food, healthier eating habits, care for the Earth, care for humanity, and community development. Your actions are visible today by the
compost we produce and will be visible in the future.
Q: What items does Organic Waste Haulers take and recycle?
A: Organic Wase Haulers accepts the following waste items -
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Eggshells, rice, beans, cheese
- Bones (yes, bones)
- Waxed cardboard products (ex. Chinese take-out boxes)
- Frozen/refrigerated food boxes (ex. frozen pizza, frozen dinners)
- Napkins, paper towels, paper plates
- Milk cartons, tea bags, coffee grounds and filters
- Parchment and waxed papers
- Plants and flowers
- All yard waste
Q: Can Organic Waste Haulers deliver compost soil to my home or business?
A: Compost soil is available for delivery upon request. There is a charge for this service based upon the delivery location and
amount.
Q: How will diverting my food scraps save money?
A:Less food scraps in the trash can save you money in several ways:
- Avoided purchase costs through food waste prevention strategies.
- Smaller garbage bills by less frequent trash collection for commercial generators.
- Eliminate purchase of commercial soil restoration amendments and chemical additives by applying all natural compost soil amendments on-site landscaping.