The Benefits of Using Organic Waste for Composting

What do you do with the waste of fruits, food, and many more like this? Without any second thought, you throw it away, right? In this, you are not alone; many like you do the same thing, without understanding the consequences the organic waste can bring. 

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India generates about 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, of which nearly 50% is organic waste. 

Now, you give the answer. Do we still have to let this valuable resource go to waste? Home composting offers a simple yet powerful solution to turn organic waste into compost for gardens that can yield profits.

But how does this work? Why is composting organic waste so beneficial? Read on in the article to explore how this natural process can enrich your garden, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.

What is Organic Waste?

Organic waste is biodegradable material that is derived from plants, animals, and natural materials.

These are:

• Kitchen waste: Vegetable peels, fruit scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells.

• Garden waste: Grass clippings, dry leaves, and plant trimmings.

• Other natural materials: Paper, cardboard, and coconut shells (uncoated).

In contrast to plastic and synthetic wastes, which may not degrade for hundreds of years, organic waste naturally decomposes and is rich in nutrients, making it the best option to compost at home.

The Science Behind Composting

So how does composting happen? It is a natural process by which microorganisms decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.

Key components of composting:

• Nitrogen-rich "green" materials (food scraps, fresh leaves) provide protein for microbes.

• Carbon-rich "brown" materials (dry leaves, paper) supply energy.

• Air and moisture help microbes thrive and speed up decomposition.

Composting Using Organic Waste: What can it really do to you

Spurs Sustainable Gardening

On the flip side of chemical fertilizers, compost improves soil fertility organically. It revitalizes microbial life in soil and enhances plant growth without posing any harm to the environment.

Enhances Soil Health & Water Holding Capacity

Compost improves the structure of the soil, making it porous and capable of holding water better.

This translates to:

• Fewer watering sessions.

• Improved drought resistance.

• Less danger of soil erosion.

The FAO states that soil with plenty of compost may hold as much as 20% more water than normal soil.

Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Through composting food waste, we can greatly reduce methane emissions of decaying food in landfills.

According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), composting organic waste can cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 50% relative to conventional waste disposal.

Cost-Effective & Easy to Implement

Why spend money on chemical fertilizers when you can make your own? Composting at home:

• Saves money on fertilizers.

• Requires little maintenance.

• It can be done in small spaces (even in apartments with vermicomposting).

How to Start Home Composting

1. Choosing a Composting Method

There are different composting methods based on available space and materials:

• Outdoor compost bins – Ideal for gardens.

• Indoor composting – Small-scale options for apartments.

• Vermicomposting – Uses earthworms to break down waste faster.

2. What Can and Cannot Be Composed?

Compostable materials:

• Vegetable peels, fruit scraps, tea leaves, coffee grounds.

• Dry leaves, paper, coconut husk, garden waste.

Avoid:

• Meat, dairy, oily food (attracts pests).

• Plastic, glass, synthetic materials.

3. Steps to Create Nutrient-Rich Compost

• Layering: Add equal parts of greens (kitchen scraps) and browns (dry leaves).

• Turning: Mix the pile every few weeks for oxygen flow.

• Moisture control: Keep it damp but not wet.

• Wait: Compost takes 30-60 days to fully mature.

Common Challenges in Home Composting & Solutions

Bad smell? 

✅ Add more dry leaves and turn the pile.

Too slow? 

✅ Chop scraps smaller and aerate more often.

Pests? 

✅ Cover food scraps with dry materials and keep the bin closed.

The Future of Composting and Sustainable Gardening

Governments and organizations are promoting composting through:

•  Municipal composting programs in cities like Bengaluru and Pune.

•  Smart compost bins that automate waste breakdown.

•  Incentives for households that practice home composting.

 A 2022 report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) emphasized that large-scale composting could help India reduce 60% of its landfill waste.

The Ending Note 

So, you have read this far, now answer the question: Are you still going to throw the trash like before, or take a step towards a better world?

Composting the organic waste is perhaps one of the simplest steps that can be taken to create a greener planet but organically, all at the same time enhancing the health of the garden. It reduces landfill waste, reduces emissions, and supplies free, high-nutrient compost for the garden.

So, are you ready to begin home composting? It's easy and inexpensive, and the effect is huge. Get started today and see your trash become black gold for your plants!