Rochester Area Interfaith Climate Action
Composting
Removing food waste from the landfill is a great way to combat climate change, whether backyard composting or using a commercial composting service.
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Food waste that decays in a landfill generates methane which is a greenhouse gas (GHG) approximately 30X more powerful than CO2.
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Compost has additional benefits including enriching and restoring soil health, reducing fertilizer use and improving soil water retention
Getting started is easy!
Check out this Compost Guide from Cornell Cooperative Extension.
And tips for Group Composting.
For Houses of Worship (HoW) or Institutions
Local vendors that provide organic waste hauling service include:
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For small to medium size commercial kitchens:
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For larger commercial or industrial kitchens:
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Resource material on the benefits of composting
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Download a short announcement to post in your bulletin
For households or small businesses
Impact Earth Community Composting
The City of Rochester has a composting program for residents
Monroe County is in the process of determining the future of organics recycling. Complete their survey
Other Resources:
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More from Impact Earth
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Composting How-to from the EPA
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Composting 101 from the NRDC
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From the Cornell Cooperative Extension
Information about composting
Some of the many benefits of Composting beyond reducing emissions contributing to climate change:
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Compost releases nutrients (including important micronutrients) slowly back to the soil and balances pH
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Compost improves soil structure reducing nutrient and water runoff and reduces erosion.
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Compost increases beneficial insects, worms and organisms providing aeration, nutrient conversion and suppressing disease and pests
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Composting can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers