If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, you may wonder how the Kitchener Landfill is different from compost. Here, we’ll explain these differences.
At the Office Compost Program, we’re dedicated to helping businesses strive towards a greener earth. We’re happy to share what we’ve learned with you!
In this article, you’ll learn about the differences between a landfill and composting site, how food waste decomposes differently in each space, and more. Let’s get started now!
Kitchener Landfill vs Compost
First, it’s important to understand the difference between a landfill and a composting site.
A landfill is a specially designed system for waste removal. It is not as simple as dumping trash in a pile and leaving it!
Instead, a landfill is actually a structure, built to contain garbage and waste either on top of or in the ground. The landfill is designed so that the waste is kept free from moisture, and is isolated from the surrounding environment.
This means that waste in a landfill has no contact with groundwater or air. That’s a good thing, right? Yes and no.
Unfortunately, when waste is left in a landfill without moisture or air, it can’t decompose naturally or quickly. Waste, such as food waste that ends up landfills, needs these elements to help complete the natural decomposition process.
Items left in a landfill will take much longer to decompose, and food left in a landfill will start to produce methane, a harmful, potent greenhouse gas.
“The purpose of a landfill is to bury the trash in such a way that it will be isolated from groundwater, will be kept dry and will not be in contact with air. Under these conditions, trash will not decompose much. A landfill is not like a compost pile, where the purpose is to bury trash in such a way that it will decompose quickly.”
You can check out the video below to learn why and how food decomposes differently in a compost heap, and why leaving it in a landfill produces methane while leaving it in a compost does not!
Learn how your waste decomposes differently in a Kitchener landfill vs compost
Of course, landfills are needed to help us dispose of garbage and waste that is not biodegradable. They help keep contaminants and toxins out of our soil and water.
However, approximately 40% of landfill waste is actually organic material! Composting food and organics is one of the best and simplest ways to help the environment.
the many benefits of composting
The next time you go to throw out a banana peel, leftover table scraps, or even a used napkin - think before you toss! If you throw out your food waste into your garbage can, it will end up in a Kitchener landfill.
Instead, throw your food waste and organic material into a compost bin. In Kitchener-Waterloo, residents can get a green bin for free to begin composting. Compost is picked up from homes once per week.
Throw food scraps or old food into your compost bin at home - not in the garbage!
Some people are hesitant to begin composting because they worry about smells or attracting pests to their home.
However, using a green bin is clean, sanitary, and actually helps keeps pests out of your garbage bags!
Here are some more benefits of composting:
If you choose to compost in your own backyard (outdoor compost) you will have a source of fertilizer for your garden.
Composting helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensures organic waste goes back into the environment, as it should!
Composting helps increase biodiversity, as compost heaps attract and help feed worms, fungi, birds, and other animals.
Composting helps significantly reduce landfill waste. This means if everyone composted all their organics, we would need less space for landfill use and help prevent landfills from overflowing.
Composting is a simple thing every homeowner can do, yet it has a huge impact on our environment.
Now, most people work, which means you’ll be eating 1-2 meals while not at home. What happens to your food waste in the workplace?
Unfortunately, businesses are a major contributor to food waste in Canada. The Recycling Council of Ontario stated that the Industrial and Commercial sector produces 45% of all food waste in Ontario!
However, businesses can join the Green Office Movement and you start composting in the workplace too!
How To Compost at Work
If we truly want to divert all organics from the landfill to proper composting sites, then we have to compost both at work and at home. You can even create your own compost system in your backyard!
Composting at work is just as important as composting at home - and can be just as simple. Food waste isn’t just a problem at home.
After all, most people spend 40+ hours of their week in the workplace, and eat at least one meal there - not to mention all the coffee, snacks, and other food that’s consumed in the office!
The Office Compost Program can help you keep your workplace food waste out of the Kitchener landfill
If your workplace is in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region, you can sign up for the Office Compost Program.
The Region of Waterloo does not provide businesses with the same composting services it provides to residential properties. Because of that, businesses must find a third-party to work with for their food waste removal.
Composting at work is as easy - if not easier - as composting at home. Put food waste in its place with office composting!
We will provide you with the Green Bin(s) you need to get started. On a weekly or bi-weekly basis, we will come to collect your bins and provide you with a clean one!
How simple is that? To learn more about our services, you can contact us now.
Benefits Of Office Composting
Composting at the office is as easy as composting at home!
When it comes to composting at work, there are additional benefits that you and your team will experience. These include:
Improved employee morale - More and more Canadians are focused on environmental sustainability and care about working with businesses that share their values. You can help improve employee morale by showing your workers that you care about the same values that they do.
Improved customer experience - It’s not just workers that care, but consumers too. Consumers want more green products and to work with companies that care about the environment. Improve your customer experience by sharing their values.
Reduced waste collection costs - Waste collection (for non-organic waste and garbage) often costs more than compost collection. Reduce your waste and save by composting all your food waste and organics!
Click here to read about even more benefits of office composting.
Start Composting at Work
Join The Green Office Movement
Don’t let your food scraps end up in a Kitchener landfill. Instead, work towards a greener, cleaner earth by composting at home and at work!
Boost employee morale, show customers that you share your values, and even save money on waste management fees with the Office Compost Program.
Contact us to learn more about how you can get started today.
“WE ARE CURRENTLY USING THE COMPOST PROGRAM AND THEY HAVE BEEN GREAT AS OUR COMPANY HAS GROWN AND OUR USAGE INCREASED. VERY FRIENDLY AND TERRIFIC SERVICE!”
— JULIE G., BIG ROAD