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 Compostabl

e

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

Kenneth BryanGreenEvents@fac.unc.eduwww.Carolinagreen.unc.edu

Questions? Green Event Info?