Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +44 1518081136

Short Communication - Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling (2025) Volume 8, Issue 2

Composting and Organic Waste Recycling: A Sustainable Approach to Waste Management

Chuanfu Moktadir*

School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China

*Corresponding Author:
Chuanfu Moktadir
School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China
E-mail: Ch.moktadir@ustb.edu.cn

Received: : 03-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. AAEWMR- 25-163282; Editor assigned: 05-Mar-2025, PreQC No. AAEWMR- 25-163282 (PQ); Reviewed: 11-Mar-2025, QC No. AAEWMR- 25-163282; Revised:25-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. AAEWMR- 25-163282 (R); Published: 31-Mar-2025, DOI:10.35841/10.35841/aaewmr-8.2.258

Citation: Citation: Moktadir. C. Composting and Organic Waste Recycling: A sustainable approach to waste management. 2025; 8(2):258

Abstract

  

Introduction

With the global population steadily increasing and urbanization expanding, waste management has become a significant environmental concern. Among the various types of waste generated, organic waste—which includes food scraps, yard waste, agricultural residues, and other biodegradable materials—accounts for a substantial portion of the waste stream. Improper disposal of organic waste in landfills leads to a range of environmental problems, including the release of harmful greenhouse gases such as methane and the loss of valuable organic matter that could be recycled. [

Composting and organic waste recycling present sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to manage organic waste, offering both environmental and economic benefits. Composting, in particular, is a natural process that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich compost that can enhance soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Organic waste recycling helps divert waste from landfills and contributes to a circular economy by creating valuable products from what would otherwise be waste.[

This article explores the process, benefits, and significance of composting and organic waste recycling in promoting sustainable waste management practices.Composting is the biological decomposition of organic matter, such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and agricultural waste, by microorganisms, fungi, and bacteria. These organisms break down the material in a controlled environment, turning it into humus-rich compost that is rich in nutrients and can be used to improve soil health. [3].

During the composting process, microorganisms and other decomposers break down the organic matter into simpler compounds. As the process progresses, the organic waste breaks down into a rich, dark, crumbly substance known as compost. Composting typically takes between a few weeks to several months, depending on factors like temperature, moisture, and the type of materials being composted.[4].

This is the simplest form of composting, often done in home gardens or backyards. Homeowners can use compost bins or piles to decompose organic materials. This method is ideal for small amounts of waste and is particularly popular in suburban and rural areas.Vermicomposting uses worms, typically red wigglers, to break down organic material. This method is often used for kitchen waste and is highly effective in creating nutrient-rich compost in a relatively short period. Large-scale composting operations use advanced machinery and technology to process large quantities of organic waste. These systems are often used by municipalities, agricultural industries, or food processors and can handle massive amounts of waste. [5, 6].

Compost adds valuable nutrients to the soil, improving its structure, water retention, and overall fertility. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, which can harm the environment. By diverting organic waste from landfills, composting prevents the release of methane—a potent greenhouse gas produced by anaerobic decomposition in landfills.Composting helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, which in turn reduces landfill space and the environmental impact of waste disposal. Composting can reduce the cost of waste management by lowering disposal fees, while also creating valuable compost that can be used on-site or sold. [7, 8].

Waste-to-energy technologies can be used to convert organic waste, such as food waste and agricultural residues, into energy. Processes like incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis heat organic materials at high temperatures, producing energy in the form of heat, electricity, or biofuels.WTE technologies provide a valuable source of renewable energy by utilizing organic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. These technologies help reduce the volume of waste in landfills, generate energy from waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional waste disposal methods. Biochar is a form of charcoal created by heating organic material in a low-oxygen environment through a process called pyrolysis. Biochar has a high carbon content and can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil fertility, reduce soil erosion, and store carbon for long period. [

conclusion

Composting and organic waste recycling offer sustainable solutions to manage the ever-increasing amounts of organic waste generated by households, industries, and agriculture. By turning organic waste into valuable resources, such as nutrientrich compost, renewable energy, and biochar, these practices contribute to a more circular economy that minimizes waste and conserves natural resources.

References

  1. Ayele BY, Megento TL, Habetemariam KY. The governance and management of green spaces in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Heliyon. 2022;8(5):e09413.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Markevych I, Schoierer J, Hartig T, et al. Exploring pathways linking greenspace to health: Theoretical and methodological guidance. Environ Res. 2017;158:301-17.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Lewis SL, Sonké B, Sunderland T, et al. Above-ground biomass and structure of 260 African tropical forests. Philos Trans R Soc B Biol Sci. 2013;368(1625):20120295.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Gamfeldt L, Snäll T, Bagchi R, et al. Higher levels of multiple ecosystem services are found in forests with more tree species. Nat Commun. 2013;4(1):1-8.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Gould RK, Coleman K, Gluck SB. Exploring dynamism of cultural ecosystems services through a review of environmental education research. Ambio. 2018;47(8):869-83.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  6. Moher D, Shamseer L, Clarke M, et al. Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Syst Rev. 2015;4(1):1-9.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  7. Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Syst Rev. 2021;10(1):1-1.

    8. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Ashley EA, Dhorda M, Fairhurst RM, et al. Spread of artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. N Engl J Med. 2014;371(5):411-23.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Pires AP, Srivastava DS, Marino NA, et al. Interactive effects of climate change and biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning. Ecol. 2018;99(5):1203-13.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Oberholster PJ, Botha AM, Hill L, et al. River catchment responses to anthropogenic acidification in relationship with sewage effluent: an ecotoxicology screening application. Chemosphere. 2017;189:407-17.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App