Composting - SALT United Methodist

Composting in New Hanover County: A Sustainable Solution for Our Landfill Crisis

New Hanover County faces a pressing environmental challenge: its landfill is projected to reach capacity in approximately 25 years, with no available land to establish a new one . Alarmingly, about 65-70% of the waste currently entering the landfill is compostable organic material, including 25% food waste . This situation underscores the urgent need for effective waste reduction strategies, with composting emerging as a practical and impactful solution.WHQR

Understanding Composting and Its Importance

What Is Composting?

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic materials, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a rich soil amendment known as compost. This process not only reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but also enriches soil, conserves water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Why Composting Matters in New Hanover County

The county’s landfill receives approximately 2,000 tons of waste daily, with a significant portion being organic material that could be composted . By diverting this waste through composting, we can extend the landfill’s lifespan, reduce methane emissions, and promote environmental sustainability.Coastal Review

What Can Be Composted?

Compostable Materials:

Fruit and vegetable scraps (remove plastic stickers)
Meat, poultry, and fish (no bones larger than your index finger)
Dairy products, including yogurt, cheese, sour cream, butter
Spoiled or uneaten food, cooked or raw
Breads, crackers, cookies, and other baked goods
Eggs and eggshells
Pet food
Pasta, rice, cereals, grains, and flours
Herbs and spices
Coffee grounds, coffee filters, tea bags
Any bags, plates, flatware, straws, or cups marked “BPI Certified Compostable” .capefearmuseum.com+11New Hanover County Government+11BioCycle+11

Materials Not Accepted:

Plastic food packaging material
Plastic bags
Styrofoam cups, trays, plates
Plastic utensils
Liquids (juice, milk, soda, etc.)
Metals, including cans and foils
Grease and oils
Clam and oyster shells .https://www.wect.com+7New Hanover County Government+7Wikipedia+7

How to Compost at Home

1. Choose a Composting Method:

Aerobic Composting: Involves regular turning to provide oxygen, suitable for outdoor compost bins.
Vermicomposting: Uses worms to break down organic material, ideal for indoor composting .

2. Set Up Your Compost Bin:

Select a bin with proper drainage and ventilation.
Place it in a shaded area to maintain moisture.
Ensure it’s easily accessible for adding materials and turning the compost.

3. Balance Greens and Browns:

Greens (Nitrogen-rich): Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, fresh grass clippings.
Browns (Carbon-rich): Dry leaves, paper, cardboard.
Aim for a ratio of 2-4 parts browns to 1 part greens .Southern LivingWikipedia

4. Maintain Your Compost:

Turn the pile regularly to aerate.
Keep the compost moist, similar to a wrung-out sponge.
Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to prevent odors and pests.

5. Harvesting Compost:

Compost is ready when it’s dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell.
Use it to enrich garden soil, as mulch, or in potted plants.

Community Composting Options

For those unable to compost at home, New Hanover County offers several options:

Drop-off Locations: Residents can bring unpackaged food waste to the county’s composter at the landfill or the mobile HazWagon, free of charge New Hanover County Government.
Compost Pickup Services: The Wilmington Compost Company provides weekly compost collection services for homes and businesses newhanoversheriff.com.
Educational Resources: The county has established an outdoor composting education site at 3002 US Hwy 421 N, Wilmington, where the public can learn best practices for composting capefearmuseum.com.

Benefits of Composting

Reduces Landfill Waste: Diverts significant amounts of organic waste from the landfill, extending its lifespan.
Environmental Impact: Decreases methane emissions from decomposing organic matter in landfills.
Soil Health: Produces nutrient-rich compost that enhances soil quality and plant growth.
Community Engagement: Encourages sustainable practices and environmental awareness among residents.

Take Action Today

Composting is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to environmental sustainability in New Hanover County. Whether you start composting at home or utilize community resources, your efforts can make a significant difference. For more information and resources, visit the New Hanover County Composting Program.

By embracing composting, we can collectively work towards a greener, more sustainable future for New Hanover County.