What are some benefits of home composting?

Benefits of home composting include producing nutrient-rich soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, reducing landfill methane emissions and lowering one’s carbon footprint. Composting yard waste and food scraps at home also reduces 20 to 30 percent of the waste normally thrown in the garbage.

Composting encourages the production of beneficial fungi and bacteria that create nutrient-packed humus. Add humus to soil to use in gardens, in potting mixes for houseplants and as mulch to promote plant growth and reduce material costs. Compost-enriched soil provides more nutrition for plants, helps retain moisture and lowers the risk of plant diseases and pests.