Composting and organic waste management
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Waste Management and Recycling course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Aerated Static Pile (ASP) #
A composting method that involves placing compostable materials in a pile and introducing air through perforated pipes. This method allows for optimal oxygen levels, promoting efficient decomposition and reducing the need for turning.
Anaerobic Digestion #
A process that breaks down organic waste in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of biogas and a nutrient-rich digestate. This process is often used for food waste and sewage sludge management.
Bio #
oxidative Destruction: A composting method that uses a high oxygen environment to rapidly decompose organic waste, often resulting in a marketable product within 24 hours.
Compost #
The end product of the composting process, which is a stable, humus-like material that can be used as a soil amendment or a natural fertilizer.
Composting #
The process of breaking down organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a stable, nutrient-rich material through the action of microorganisms and aerobic decomposition.
Compost Turning #
The mechanical or manual turning of a compost pile to ensure even decomposition, aeration, and moisture distribution.
Curbside Collection #
The collection of household waste, recyclables, and organics at the curb, typically managed by local government or waste management companies.
Decomposition #
The process by which organic matter breaks down into simpler compounds through the action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.
Dewatering #
The removal of excess water from organic waste, often through mechanical processes, to facilitate more efficient composting and reduce transportation costs.
Food Waste #
Organic waste generated from the preparation, cooking, and consumption of food, which can be composted and diverted from landfills.
Green Waste #
Organic waste generated from landscaping and gardening activities, such as leaves, grass clippings, and branches, which can be composted and used as a soil amendment.
Humus #
The dark, organic component of soil, formed through the decomposition of organic matter, that provides important nutrients and improves soil structure.
In #
vessel Composting: A composting method that involves enclosing organic waste in a container or vessel to control temperature, moisture, and aeration, resulting in faster decomposition and higher-quality compost.
Leachate #
The liquid that drains from a compost pile or waste container, which can contain high levels of contaminants and must be properly managed to prevent environmental harm.
Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) #
A waste management method that combines mechanical processes, such as shredding and screening, with biological treatment, such as composting or anaerobic digestion, to reduce the volume and increase the resource recovery potential of municipal solid waste.
Methane #
A potent greenhouse gas produced during anaerobic decomposition of organic waste, which can be captured and used as a source of energy.
Microorganisms #
Tiny living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, that play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic waste during composting.
Organic Waste Management #
The systematic collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of organic waste, such as food scraps, yard waste, and sewage sludge, with the goal of reducing environmental impact and maximizing resource recovery.
Pathogens #
Microorganisms that can cause disease in humans, animals, or plants, which can be present in organic waste and must be properly managed during composting to ensure a safe end product.
PAS 100 #
A quality assurance standard for composted materials in the UK, which ensures consistency, safety, and performance.
Recycling #
The process of collecting, sorting, and processing waste materials to manufacture new products, reducing the need for virgin materials and conserving resources.
Source Separation #
The practice of separating waste at the point of generation, such as separating organic waste from other waste streams, to facilitate more efficient and effective recycling and composting.
Thermophilic Composting #
A composting method that relies on high temperatures (55-70°C) to rapidly break down organic waste, typically achieved through active management of the compost pile.
Vermicomposting #
A composting method that uses earthworms to break down organic waste, resulting in a nutrient-rich compost product.
Waste Hierarchy #
A framework that prioritizes waste management strategies in the following order: prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal, with the goal of minimizing waste generation and maximizing resource conservation.
Waste Management #
The systematic collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste materials, with the goal of minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, and protecting public health.
Windrow Composting #
A composting method that involves arranging organic waste in long, narrow piles called windrows and periodically turning them to ensure even decomposition, aeration, and moisture distribution.