Types of Composting: Key Differences Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Composting
For the longest time now, there’s been a debate around the ills of littering, and the importance of disposing of our waste in the bins. However, our work does not end there.
Most of this waste ends up in landfills, or worse, gets sent for incineration (read burning, unpleasant smells, and toxic fumes). Not a pretty picture, is it?
Lucky for us, not all ‘waste’ is a waste. In fact, a whopping 60% of the trash we generate is organic. With a little bit of knowledge, the right tools, and of course, organic waste; one can produce something truly beautiful: compost.
So, in this post, we’ll give you a quick rundown on the basics of composting at home. Stay with us!
“Just because it’s rotting, does not mean it’s worthless — start composting today!”
What are the Methods of Composting at Home?
All types of composting serve the same purpose — breaking down organic matter. However, there are two distinct ways to make compost at home:
- In the absence of oxygen (anaerobic composting)
- In the presence of oxygen (aerobic composting)
So, which one’s right for you? Read on to find out…
What is Anaerobic Composting?
Anaerobic composting takes place using microorganisms that don’t require oxygen to survive. This is typically done in trenches, pits, or landfills, and by large industrial organisations and municipal corporations.
However, anaerobic composting might not be suited for everybody. Here’s why:
- The process is characterised by strong odours
- The breakdown of matter takes much longer since it’s a two-step process
- Some of its by-products include harmful compounds such as methane, organic acids, hydrogen sulphide and other substances. What’s more, it does not kill pathogens, thus making the process dodgy.
This is why we, at Ceiba Green, swear by aerobic composting — a process that’s more effective, quick, and environment-friendly.
“The process of anaerobic composting is often slow, smelly, and releases harmful by-products such as methane.”
What is Aerobic Composting?
This type of composting requires the presence of oxygen for microbes to thrive. Most householders resort to aerobic composting since it doesn’t reek of bad odours. Besides, aerobic composting can take place in small bins and buckets. Thus, it can be easily implemented by apartment dwellers.
“Don’t have a backyard? Aerobic composting won’t turn its back on you! All you require is an aerated bin, kitchen scraps, and some browns.”
What Can You Put in the Compost Pile?
Typically, aerobic composting requires the presence of green and brown matter. Greens such as kitchen scraps, used tea leaves, and coffee grounds are packed with nitrogen. On the other hand, browns such as dried leaves and grass clippings are high in carbon. This carbon-rich matter largely helps the compost pile to stay light and loose — a prerequisite for aerobic composting.
Together, these materials produce heat that’s enough to kill the bad bacteria and support the good bacteria. In addition, the heat helps break down the waste faster, thus speeding up the process of composting.
On the contrary, some waste materials you must steer clear of include glass, plastic, metal, oil, fat, and dairy products. While the former three simply won’t decompose, the latter three have a tendency to attract rodents and flies.
What are the Environmental Impacts of Not Composting?
Without proper waste management practices in place, the garbage we generate ends up in landfills. Over time, it rots; thus producing methane — a strong greenhouse gas.
One of aerobic composting’s main by-products is a greenhouse gas too (read carbon-dioxide or ‘CO2’). However, methane is 20 times more potent than CO2! Besides, unlike methane, CO2 can easily be absorbed by surrounding foliage.
Provided you do it right, making compost at home can hugely benefit the environment. The resulting compost is an excellent soil enhancer, which can help your plants grow stronger and healthier (think greener leaves and more flowers).
Key Takeaway: Understanding the art of composting is more crucial than understanding the science behind it. Aerobic composting is a simple, odour-free process that can reduce your household waste, and make for a greener planet!
