What You Need to Know about Organic Recycling

Our kitchen and yard leftovers are a major contributor to the rubbish we throw away. Landfilling organic waste has the unfortunate side effect of producing dangerous greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. Organic recycling, the practice of transforming organic waste into useful products like compost and fertiliser, is gaining popularity as a means to combat this growing problem. Organic recycling not only helps cut down on garbage sent to landfills, but it also improves soil quality, allowing plants to flourish in a less polluted setting.

Yet, if you're unfamiliar with the idea, organic recycling can appear intimidating. Composting and worm farming are only two of the many organic waste recycling techniques available today. It is also important to learn why organic recycling is beneficial and how it can cut down on your family's carbon footprint. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about organic recycling, from what organic waste is to how you can start recycling it.

What is Organic Waste?

The term "organic waste" refers to any type of rubbish that originated from a living organism. Garden and wood debris are also included in this category. The decomposition of organic waste in landfill occurs anaerobically, meaning in the absence of oxygen. Methane, produced in this manner, is a greenhouse gas 25 times more damaging than carbon dioxide.

The National Waste Report states that 40% of all garbage produced by Australian households is organic waste. When organic waste is disposed of in landfills, it contributes 3 percent of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions, making it a major factor in global warming.

Yet when organic waste is recycled, it becomes compost, a nutrient-rich soil supplement that can boost soil health and plant development. In composting, organic waste is broken down by microorganisms into humus, a black, crumbly substance that can be used as a soil conditioner.

Greenhouse gas emissions can be lowered and soil health improved by recycling organic materials instead of throwing them away. Using less synthetic fertilisers, which can be hazardous to the environment, is another benefit of composting at home.

How to Reduce Organic Waste?

Home organic waste can be cut down on in a number of different ways. Making better use of food storage and leftovers is one of the most efficient methods.

To begin, we can reduce food waste by not purchasing unnecessary items and by planning meals and shopping with a list. Also, we have the option of purchasing seasonal, locally grown vegetables, thereby reducing the energy used for transportation and storing perishable goods.

Good food storage practices are also crucial for reducing compostable trash. The rotting and waste of perishable foods can be minimised if they are stored in sealed containers at the correct temperature and humidity.

Making better use of leftovers is another option for reducing organic waste. You can use the leftover vegetables in a soup or the leftover meat in a sandwich to create a new meal. You can also save the leftovers by freezing them and then reheating them later.

Households can greatly reduce their organic waste by implementing these measures, which in turn can aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the advancement of a more sustainable future.

How to Recycle Organic Waste?

Compost bins, worm farms, and waste management companies are just some of the options for recycling organic waste.

A common way to recycle food scraps is with a compost bin. You can buy or make your own compost bin to facilitate the decomposition of organic waste in a regulated setting, yielding nutrient-rich compost. Food scraps, yard trimmings, and even newspapers are just some of the organic things that can be composted in a bin. Depending on the climate and the amount of available space, composting can be done either indoors or outdoors.

Another method of processing organic waste for reuse is vermiculture or worm farming. Putting organic waste in a bin or container with worms encourages the worms to eat the garbage, which in turn creates nutrient-rich castings. Worm castings can be used as plant fertiliser and as soil conditioner.

Businesses specialising in garbage collection and disposal can also recycle organic waste on a grander scale. They employ cutting-edge machinery to process organic waste into compost and other products. Pickup services for organic rubbish generated by homes and businesses are commonly offered by municipal waste management departments.

The best method for recycling organic waste can be selected based on individual preferences and available resources. By reusing and recycling food scraps, we can cut down on emissions and help make the future a better place.

Subsidies for Organic Recycling Equipment from Local Governments

Many local governments offer subsidies to promote organic waste recycling by providing financial assistance to households and businesses to purchase equipment such as compost bins, worm farms, and other organic recycling equipment.

These subsidies encourage people to adopt organic waste recycling practices, thereby reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, and contributing to a more sustainable future. Local governments have recognized the importance of organic waste recycling and are taking steps to make it easier for individuals and businesses to participate.

For example, in Australia, many local councils offer rebates or subsidies for purchasing 

. The rebate programs may cover up to 50% of the cost of the equipment, making it more accessible to households and encouraging wider participation in organic waste recycling.

Subsidies for organic recycling equipment from local governments have numerous benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil quality, and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. 

Therefore, it is worth checking with your local council to see if they offer any subsidies or rebate programs for organic recycling equipment. By taking advantage of these programs, you can reduce your carbon footprint, contribute to a more sustainable future, and save money on the cost of equipment.

The Bottom Line

We can't disregard the need of recycling organic waste if we want to have a functional waste management system. This has a major impact on lowering both landfill usage and emissions of greenhouse gases. People, businesses, and governments all need to start recycling their organic rubbish since it's the only way to ensure long-term success in the waste management industry.

Organic waste can be recycled into useful resources like compost and fertilisers through a number of different channels, including composting, worm farming, and waste management firms. Furthermore, we may lessen the quantity of organic waste produced by adopting more efficient purchasing, storing, and meal preparation practices, and by making better use of leftovers.

It's important to note that many municipalities subsidise organic recycling equipment, making it more affordable for homes and businesses to recycle their organic waste. Together, we can build a future where organic waste is recycled and reused in ways that benefit the planet and people.