California Greenin': Green Guide

Organics

Composting, nature's own way of recycling, is the controlled decomposition of organic material such as leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and vegetable food waste. A wide range of materials may be composted, but they must consist of principally organic components (i.e., carbon-containing remnants or residues of life processes).

Compost is the soil amendment product that results from proper composting. Whether it's done on-site, at the point of waste generation or in a large-scale, centralized facility, composting helps to keep the high volume of organic material out of landfills and turns it into a useful product.

On-site composting reduces the cost of hauling materials and is generally exempted from solid waste regulations. Large scale facilities can handle more material and potentially produce a more consistent product, but may be faced with regulatory issues.

• Increasing Compost Use by Caltrans Project. This CIWMB fact sheet provides an overview of workshops sponsored by the CIWMB to present best management practices in landscaping highways.
• Purchasing Compost and Mulch. This CIWMB Web page provides an overview of tools and resources that are available to assist you with purchasing compost and mulch.