Research how to compost material, which materials are biodegradable, and which are not. A good place to start your research is the EPA website on composing. Create a report on composting, different methods, the pros and cons, and best practices. Make sure you include why you think some materials decompose and others do not. Include a plan of how you might start composting at your home (if you aren’t already). Write your report in the essay box below.

Composting is a technique that allows biodegradable materials of urban, domestic and industrial origin to be degraded to form humus, a type of soil that is very fertile and extremely rich in micronutrients.

These biodegradable materials are materials of organic origin, such as food scraps, fruit peels, pieces of vegetables, among others. As the domestic environment generates a large amount of organic waste, composting in this environment is very favorable, and it can generate a very rich soil to be used in the garden, in vegetables, among other places.

Composting occurs when organic waste is stored for a certain period of time. At that time, decomposing fungi and bacteria degrade all organic matter forming the humus. It is necessary that during the time of storage of this garbage, it must be stirred in a certain period of time, to avoid the overheating of the organic matter, causing fires.

Composting can be either vermicomposting or dry composting. In vermicompostings, earthworms are added to the stored garbage, which help fungi and bacteria in the decomposition of this garbage, making the process faster. In dry composting, on the other hand, microorganisms work without any help.

It is important to note that only organic materials can be used in this process, because bacterial and earthworm fungi do not use substances present in non-organism material in their metabolism, and these materials cannot degrade.

As advantages of composting, we can say that it reduces the amount of waste, does not cause the release of methane into the atmosphere (it only releases carbon dioxide, water and biomass) and allows the created humus to be added to the soil, reducing erosion and improving aeration from soil.

As disadvantages we can say that because it is a material that is decomposing, composting can attract flies and other insects and animals that can pass diseases or cause discomfort to people. In addition, it is necessary for someone to be aware of the temperature and humidity of the compost, to avoid fires and other problems.

To start composting in your home, you must first separate organic and non-organic waste. In addition, you will have to buy a compost bin to store the garbage correctly and research a lot about it, to learn the safety methods that should be used and the stages of decomposition of this material.