Composting

Environmental Issue: Methane gas generated from organic materials in landfills

It isn’t that common to see composting in a work environment but the number of people in a single location make commercial grade composting ideal. Food scrap can be composted as well as many other items including coffee grounds, coffee filters, shredded paper, paper towels, biodegradable dishware and waxed cardboard.

Environmental benefit: Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere between 9 and15 years. It is a byproduct of both natural and human activities including landfill offgassing, natural gas and petroleum systems, agricultural activities, coal mining and wastewater treatment. Although methane is not as common in the media it is thought to be 20 – 70 times more dangerous than CO2 because of its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere (EPA.gov 2008). Of the human influenced sources landfills account for the largest production of methane – an astounding 34% of all methane emissions. Companies can directly reduce the amount of methane produced by reducing the amount of organic material that is sent to landfills.

Other Benefits: After the scrap food, low grade paper and other food products are collected and processed the composted material can be used as soil. Landfill space is precious and organic materials are easily diverted, so the quicker composting is adopted the longer we can use our existing landfills delaying construction of costly new facilities.

Cost and complexities: Some trash hauling services will only accept certain types of compostable products. Many may not accept meat because animal based food contains a high concentration of fat which attracts pests and produces strong odors. Training is more complex with composting because so few people have exposure to the process. Special compostable trash bags need to be used for composting.

Implementation Plan:

1. Contact your local trash hauler. In Boulder, Colo. Eco-Cycle <http://www.ecocycle.org/zws/index.cfm >offers composting.
2. Designate composting bin locations
3. Purchase composting bins – can be purchased at local stores such as Home Depot
4. Purchase compostable bags for food waste
5. Add compost bins to eating and bathroom areas and hang signs indicating what materials can be composted
6. Train staff
7. Train 3^rd party cleaning services
8. Put up Eco-Cycle stickers on exterior office windows and spread the word!

Where to purchase:
Compostable Bags:
Home Depot
Eco-Products

Compostable Dishware: Eco-Products

Trash Pickup: Eco-Cycle