Composting

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-005974",
  "term": "Composting",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The controlled biological decomposition of organic material in the presence of air to form a humus- like material. Controlled methods of composting include mechanical mixing and aerating, ventilating the materials by dropping them through a vertical series of aerated chambers, or placing the compost in piles out in the open air and mixing it or turning it periodically.\n\n2. The controlled microbial decomposition of organic matter (such as food scraps and yard trimmings) in the presence of oxygen into a humus- or soil-like material.\n\n3. A controlled microbial degradation of organic waste yield an environmentally sound, nuisance-free product of potential value as a soil conditioner.\n\n4. A controlled biological decomposition of organic wastes (i.e. certain kitchen wastes, yard trimmings) into a stable product that can be used as a natural soil amendment.\n\n5. The decomposition of yard waste and vegetable scraps into organic material.\n\n6. Composting produces a useful product from organic waste that otherwise would have been landfilled. Since these materials are not landfilled, composting helps prevent methane and leachate formulation in the landfills.\n\n7. Partial breakdown of organic plant and animal matter by aerobic bacteria to produce a material that can be used as a soil conditioner or fertilizer. See compost.\n\n8. Processes designed to optimize the natural decomposition or decay of organic matter, such as leaves and food. The end product of composting is a humus-like material that can be added to soils to increase soil fertility, aeration, and nutrient retention.\n\n9. A waste management strategy in which aerobic microbial decomposition transforms biogenic material such as food scraps and yard trimmings into a stable, humus-like material (compost).\n\n10. The biological decomposition and stabilization of organic matter under conditions which allow the development of elevated temperatures as the result of biologically produced heat. When complete, the final product is sufficiently stable for storage and application to land without adverse environmental effects.",
  "subject": "Land, waste and cleanup",
  "references": [
    "Terms of Env; RCRA Glossary of Terms; Terms of Environment; Federal Land Management in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Glossary",
    "Consumer Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste: Reusable Vocabulary",
    "Drinking Water Technical & Legal Terms",
    "Top Green Home Terms",
    "Superfund for Students and Teachers Glossary",
    "State and Local Climate and Energy Program Glossary of Terms; State and Local Climate and Energy Glossary",
    "Greenhouse Gas Emissions",
    "RCRA Orientation Manual 2008 Glossary",
    "Waste Reduction Model (WARM) Definitions and Acronyms",
    "AgSTAR Handbook Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/composting/"
}