Products

• Start with a heap of wet organic matter (also called green waste), like leaves, grass and food scraps.
• After several months, it breaks down into humus. However, composting also can take place as 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 when open piles or "windrows" are used.

Gardens and Landscaping: Apply layers of compost in the spring (to help plants start strong) and in the fall (to help warm the soil and feed beneficial organisms).

Horticulture, urban agriculture and organic farming: Compost boosts water retention in soil, which means vegetables require less irrigation. It also tends to facilitate bigger crop yields, giving food producers a better harvest. This all adds up to more growth with less water — and, in turn, a more affordable way to create food. Compost can be tilled directly into the soil or growing medium to boost the level of organic matter and the overall fertility of the soil. Compost often requires much less fertilizer compared to soil lacking compost. Note: Compost isn't fertilizer. Compost energizes and feeds soil with rich nutrients. Fertilizer feeds plants.

Ecosystems: Most ecosystems have untouched topsoil -- the upper, outermost layer of soil, usually the top 5 to 10 inches. Compost is useful for erosion control, land and stream reclamation, wetland construction, and as a landfill cover. It has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms and is where most of the Earth's biological soil activity occurs. Topsoil is composed of mineral particles, organic matter, water and air. Organic matter varies in quantity on different soils. The strength of soil structure decreases with the presence of organic matter, creating weak bearing capacities. Organic matter condenses and settles in different ways under certain conditions, such as roadbeds and foundations. The structure becomes affected once the soil is dewatered. The soil's volume substantially decreases. It decomposes and suffers wind erosion.

Society: Compost can be transformed into biodegradable products like cartons, plates, dinnerware, chopsticks, napkins, take-out containers, cups and cup warmers.

• It's a well decomposed, stable, weed-free organic matter source.
• It's derived from agricultural, food, yard trimmings and source-separated solid waste.
• It contains no substances toxic to plants.
• It possesses no objectionable odors and does not resemble the raw material from which it was derived.
• It's tested for persistent herbicides and chloroform.
• It's certified through the U.S. Composting Council’s (USCC) Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Program.