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E-Cycle
Recyclers –
See list at
| HHW – HHW Collection | ||
| *Chemicals | ||
| *Mercury | ||
| *Oil based paints | ||
| *Pesticides – Must be separated | ||
| Sharps Program – Bring to participating pharmacies | ||
| *Sharps – Must be separated | ||
| Other - Divert | ||
| *Cans | ||
| *Dishes or silverware | ||
| *Glass | ||
| *Metals | ||
| *Paints – non-oil based | ||
| *Plastic bags | ||
| *Plastic containers | ||
| *Plastic silverware or plates | ||
| *Plastic wrap | ||
| *Pots & Pans | ||
| *Styrofoam items | ||
| The
Biology of Composting While "germs" and bacteria have earned a negative reputation for causing disease, micro-organisms are essential to the natural process of decay and perform the healthful and beneficial service of decomposing dead organic matter and converting it into plant nutrients. The earth would be cluttered with the bodies of dead plants and animals were it not for natural organisms that convert nature's waste into humus. Compost is a method of harnessing these organisms to rapidly accelerate the rate of organic waste decomposition. Nature does not build piles of organic matter, mix in water and nutrients, turn the pile, and spread finished compost over the countryside. Nature mulches using thin layers and lets low temperature or "mesophyllic" organisms do the decomposition at temperatures up to 120ºF. Composting uses a different group of "thermophilic" organisms that operate at a higher temperature range from 120ºF up to 160ºF. It is the organisms themselves that generate this heat from the organic matter. Like the coal, oil, or natural gas that living material could eventually become if it were left to accumulate over time, organic matter contains energy. It is the biology and structure of the compost pile that releases this energy in the form of heat. To compost means to utilize these high temperature organisms of rapid decomposition to convert organic waste into humus in a matter of months rather than years. To maintain the thermophilic temperatures, a means must be provided to keep this heat from radiating away. This is the purpose behind piles and bins. Composting can be understood as a type of bacteria farming. Like other forms of livestock, micro-organisms need food, air, and water. Food is the organic waste. Air is provided by mixing and aerating. Water comes from rainfall and the garden hose. With the proper balance of food, air, and water coupled with sufficient volume to hold heat, micro-organisms will thrive and generate heat to initiate and sustain the composting reaction. The colonies of bacteria will reproduce of their own accord and convert the food into their own bodies and by-products. The dark appearance of compost is actually billions upon billions of decayed micro-organisms. In this marvelous process of decomposition, there are types of organisms at work other than bacteria. An entire ecosystem of molds, fungi, actinomycetes, and other organisms feed upon the waste and the byproducts of other organisms. Macro-organisms such as earthworms, nematodes, beetles, insects, and a host of invertebrates graze upon the cultures of micro-organisms. This decomposer food chain is the vital living system that connects the soil with the plant and animal life on the surface. Nature has an arsenal of organisms ready to decompose waste whether it is mulched or composted. The relationships between food, air, and water determine the RATE of decomposition. Even without air, there are anaerobic (without air) organisms that can decompose waste. Instead of releasing heat through decomposition, these organisms release natural methane gas, (CH4) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) which is characterized by a rotten egg smell. Anaerobic decomposition is the major cause of odors and should be avoided in back yard composting. It is the action of man that determines whether residential organic waste is decomposed mesophyllically by mulching, thermophilically by composting, or anaerobically. The decomposition process can be delayed and modified, but it can never be completely halted. Nature will eventually recover organic waste whether we mulch it or compost it. It is our actions that foster or hinder the natural process. Mulching, passive, and active compacting are the three means by which we promote organic waste reduction, and the rate of decomposition is determined by the success of our efforts to condition the food and provide air and water. Passive Composting If yard waste is left to accumulate in a pile for extended periods of time, it is no longer a mulch and begins to enter into the realm of composting. The simplest compost piles are increasingly larger mounds of organic waste that are left to sit and rot over time. The householder often cares little for using the dark and crumbly material that appears after several years. |
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