Composting Benefits
Food waste makes up one-third of the residential garbage in Seattle (nearly 45,000 tons) which is transported by train 300 miles to the landfill in Oregon. In the landfill, food waste takes up unnecessary space and produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Instead, food waste can be collected and turned into compost at a local compost facility. Compost nourishes soil for healthier plants and gardens. Compost-rich soil also absorbs run-off and breaks down urban pollutants like oil, grease, metals, fertilizers, and pesticides which can harm fish in urban streams or Puget Sound. Why waste a good thing?
Benefits to Properties
From 2007-09 SPU tested food waste collection with over 40 properties of varying sizes, populations, and neighborhoods throughout Seattle. Feedback was used to design the current food waste collection program, now required by City ordinance for all Seattle multi-family complexes of five or more units. By request, service includes weekly insertion of compostable liners in carts (used primarily for food waste) to help keep carts clean and reduce odors. In addition, the Friends of Recycling and Composting (FORC) program ensures greater success at your property and offers a rebate, training, and free kitchen buckets for residents.
Thousands of properties are now signed up for food and yard waste collection. These case studies (pdf) provide examples of benefits to properties.
What about in-sink garbage disposals?
Garbage disposals use unnecessary fresh drinking water and energy to process material that can go into the collection cart. Depending on how long the disposal is turned on, it can use as much water as several toilet flushes. Garbage disposals send food waste through the sewer system, adding an extra load for treatment. The water treatment plant must use more water and energy to clean the water of additional nutrients and solids before discharging it into Puget Sound. In addition, any fats, oil or grease (FOG) going down the sink or disposal with food waste can build up in drains, causing expensive sewer clogs and overflows. Your building’s maintenance staff will appreciate less stress on the plumbing if you compost!
How compost is made
Yard waste and food waste is processed into compost and sold at your local home and garden stores. See how compost is made.