What is Recycling and Composting?

Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials. It often deals with materials that cannot be composted, such as certain plastics and metals. Composting involves breaking down organic waste to create fertilizer, soil, and other organic materials. Both are considered eco-friendly and contribute to the circular economy. Both can be reused. However, some materials that can be composted end up in the recycling bin.

Recycling is usually performed by collecting, sorting, and separating materials at a facility and using various methods, such as shredding, grinding, and smelting, to recover the source material for reuse. Composting utilizes bacteria, fungi, and algae to decompose organic matter for reuse.

Both recycling and composting are beneficial to the environment. Reuse reduces greenhouse gases and landfill waste, enriches soil, and conserves water. Recycling means that virgin resources will not have to be utilized to manufacture new items, which can contribute to resource scarcity and depletion. Composting does not contribute to pollution, and it costs very little compared to recycling (even after accounting for fertilizers and pesticides).

What can I recycle?

• Paper and cardboard such as magazines and newspapers.
• Glass bottles and jars
• Aluminum and steel cans
• Plastic bottles
• Some electronics, such as old computers, phones, and TVs
• Yard waste

What can I compost?

• Garden waste such as leaves, grass trimmings, sticks and twigs, weeds, brush, pinecones, etc.
• Food waste such as fruits and vegetables, tea bags, coffee grounds, eggshells, nutshells, bread, etc.
• Other organic materials such as egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, paper towels, corks, lunch bags, wood chips, etc.

So, which is better for organic waste?

According to the waste hierarchy, an EU-conceived best-to-worst ranking system for waste management, recycling is superior to composting. The hierarchy ranks from best to worst: prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal. Composting falls between recycling and recovery, which is better than disposal but not as good as recycling. This is because the system promotes circularity, prioritizing reusing existing materials in circulation over extracting virgin materials to produce new ones.

Some might think that composting is a form of recycling since it technically converts a material into another use. While this is true, it doesn’t extend the life of the material. Proper composting takes time. Recycling immediately benefits the environment. Composting also opens the door to the possibility of contaminating our soil and waterways.

If you consider recycling and composting broadly, recycling makes the most sense. However, in individual cases, composting may still be the better option. Most food waste and compostable packaging are better off being commercially composted. Composting this material reduces methane emissions associated with organics in landfills. In addition, it is best for all organic matter, including yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, weeds, manure, and food waste, to be composted.

Difference Between biodegradable and compostable

Many use the words “biodegradable” and “compostable” interchangeably; however, some key differences exist. All naturally compostable materials are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable materials are compostable. Biodegradable materials can take an indefinite time to break down and can turn into a variety of end products that compostable products cannot. Compostable products usually break down in a short span of time and provide nutrients for the soil. Some biodegradable materials will break down under the right conditions, such as in an industrial-controlled, temperature-regulated facility, but not in someone’s backyard. Biodegradable items are not necessarily 100% organic and thus is not regulated. Compostable materials, on the other hand, are regulated.

How does home composting differ from community or industrial composting

In-home composting is a slow process, typically taking between 4 weeks to 12 months. Industrial composting facilities utilize temperature and humidity control and aeration to decompose compostable materials faster. In addition, industrial composting involves larger volumes of materials and can accept a wider variety of organic materials, including meat, dairy, and some compostable plastics. Another factor to consider is that industrial waste must be transported, increasing the environmental impact through vehicle emissions and electricity. A benefit to at-home composting is that the material is recycled at the source.

What are some benefits of composting?

1. Improves soil health
2. Reduces soil erosion
3. Creates fertilizer
4. Reduces landfill waste
5. Reduces emissions
6. Reduces household disposal costs
7. Creates educational programs
8. Beneficial to gardens and local farming

What are some benefits of recycling

1. Repurposes existing material
2. Reduces reliance on harvesting raw materials
3. Reduces carbon emissions and saves energy
4. Prevents waste from polluting the environment
5. Reduces landfill waste
6. Reduces greenhouse emissions
7. Create more jobs
8. Protect wildlife and ecosystems
9. Community engagement

Bottom line

When possible, compost food, garden waste, and organic material, as it is both easy and cost-effective. These items take up precious landfill space and often cannot be recycled. Plastics, metals, and certain paper products should always be recycled. Not all plastics are accepted. Items contaminated with food are often sent to landfills. Contact your local recycling services for a list of items they will and will not accept.