Composting is the natural process of decay that all waste organic material undergoes over time.
Humans have recognised the value of this process since ancient times and have practised it on a small scale for many centuries. However, while a backyard compost heap may be a suitable solution for domestic food scraps and garden waste from a single household, other types of solutions need to be found for the volumes of waste generated by commercial or municipal collection.
For a detailed description of the science behind the natural composting process and the issues involved in composting on a large scale, read our report on organic waste disposal.
