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  Biodegradable  Compostable

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 Bryan Questions? Green Event Info?