GREEN EVENT COMPOSTING
Volunteer Training
What is Compost?
Aerobic process Microorganisms
(bacteria, fungi) decompose organic matter and use as a food source, producing heat, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and humus.
67% of waste in the U.S. is compostable!
Benefits of Composting
Alternative waste disposal—methane reduction!
Absorbs VOC’s, odors, and other soil contaminants
Soil retention: prevents runoff and erosion
Reduce the need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides
Humus--a rich nutrient-filled material--increases the nutrient content in soils and helps soils retain moisture
What Can I Compost?
What Goes in the Compost Bins All food (including meat,
bread, cheese, fruit & vegetables, pasta, tea bags, etc.)
Food-soiled paper (e.g., paper plates, napkins, waxed paper cups, pizza boxes)
Plant-based cutlery/paper products (wooden chopsticks/toothpicks (without cellophane decorative tops—avoid these), biodegradable forks / cups)
What Does Not Go in the Compost Bins Plastic wrap, plastic
utensils, wrappers, plastics of any kind.
Glass Metal Plastic-coated paper
(waxed paper is okay!)
Corn and sugar-based “plastics” and meat should be usually left out of backyard composters.
Both of these materials are suited for commercial composting, such as the one used by Carolina Dining Services and collected by Brooks Contractors.
Backyard vs. Commercial
Biodegradable vs. Compostable Biodegrada
ble
Compostable
Value of Volunteers
Contamination Non-compostable
materials such as plastic and Styrofoam do NOT break down, but still end up in visible chunks in the finished product.
Must be sorted out so compost is still usable and healthy
Volunteer Roles
Set-up bins Monitor bins Take down Sort contaminants Take to
commercial compost drop-off
Importance of Education
Make an announcement
Clear and reusable signage
Promote as a green event
Education and Promotion
