Why Should We Compost?

Blog ECS Staff 03/27/2023

Composting is becoming an increasingly popular method of waste management for municipalities around the world. As populations continue to grow, traditional waste management practices such as landfilling and incineration are becoming less sustainable and more harmful to the environment. Composting offers a sustainable alternative that can provide a range of benefits for municipalities, especially when done at a commercial scale.

walking through a compost site
New municipal compost facility in Alberta

One of the key benefits of composting at a commercial scale is the significant reduction in the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Landfills are expensive to operate and maintain, and they also produce harmful greenhouse gases such as methane, which contribute to climate change. By diverting organic waste from landfills and composting it instead, municipalities can reduce their waste management costs and help to mitigate climate change. In addition, composting can help to extend the lifespan of existing landfills, reducing the need to build new ones and conserving valuable land resources.

Composting at a commercial scale also provides a range of environmental benefits beyond waste reduction. Compost is a valuable soil amendment that can improve soil health, water retention, and nutrient availability. By using compost in agriculture, horticulture, and landscaping, municipalities can promote sustainable land use practices and reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers and other synthetic soil amendments. Compost can also help to reduce erosion, promote biodiversity, and support the growth of healthy and resilient plant communities.

In addition to environmental benefits, composting at a commercial scale can also generate economic opportunities for municipalities. Commercial-scale composting systems can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and generate revenue through the sale of compost and related products. Composting can also help to reduce waste management costs for municipalities, particularly in areas where landfilling and incineration are expensive or difficult to implement.

Implementing a commercial-scale composting system requires careful planning and investment in equipment, infrastructure, and staff training. However, the long-term benefits of composting can far outweigh the initial costs. Here are some of the key benefits of composting at commercial scale:

  1. Waste reduction: By diverting organic waste from landfills and composting it instead, municipalities can significantly reduce their waste management costs and extend the lifespan of existing landfills.
  2. Environmental benefits: Compost is a valuable soil amendment that can improve soil health, water retention, and nutrient availability. Composting can help to reduce erosion, promote biodiversity, and support the growth of healthy and resilient plant communities.
  3. Economic opportunities: Composting can generate economic opportunities for municipalities by creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and generating revenue through the sale of compost and related products.
  4. Greenhouse gas reduction: Composting can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills, which produce harmful gases such as methane.
  5. Sustainable land use: Composting promotes sustainable land use practices by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and other synthetic soil amendments.

In conclusion, municipalities can benefit greatly from implementing commercial-scale composting systems. By diverting organic waste from landfills, municipalities can reduce waste management costs, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable land use practices. Composting can also create economic opportunities, generate revenue, and provide environmental benefits such as improved soil health, water retention, and biodiversity. While implementing a commercial-scale composting system may require initial investment, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment for municipalities looking to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable waste management practices.