Composting is a method of treating organic pollution by breaking down organic matter into a stabilized end product called compost. This method is often used to treat organic waste such as food scraps, leaves, branches and garden residues.
The composting process involves mixing organic matter with air and water to stimulate the growth of microorganisms that break down the organic material. The microorganisms generate heat as they break down the organic matter, which can reach high temperatures and kill pathogens present in the waste.
Composting can be carried out on a small scale in compost heaps in the garden, or on a large scale in industrial composting plants. Industrial composting plants are equipped with temperature, humidity and ventilation control systems to ensure optimum conditions for the decomposition of organic matter.
The final compost is a nutrient-rich product that can be used as a soil, garden and plant conditioner. It can also be used to regenerate contaminated soil.
Composting is an effective and relatively inexpensive method of treating organic waste and reducing the amount sent to landfill.
As part of an on-site or off-site other treatment methods can be used, such as anaerobic biostimulation, bioventing, containment, thermal desorption, excavation, vacuum extraction, incineration, landfarming, chemical washing, chemical oxidation, phytomanagement, pyrolysis, chemical reduction, stabilization, stripping, biological treatment or granulometric sorting.
