.png?sfvrsn=f3221c94_1 "Melba Manero (4)")
As we continue to explore ways to reduce waste generation, increase resource stewardship, and live more sustainably, composting stands out as one of the simplest and most impactful practices. By transforming organic waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and helps combat climate change. Let’s take a closer look at composting, why it matters, and how Surfside residents can make a difference.
What Is Composting?
Composting is a natural process of recycling organic material, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a dark, rich substance called compost. This compost improves soil health, retains moisture, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting mimics nature’s way of breaking down organic matter, turning what we might consider “trash” into a valuable resource.
However, not all materials marketed as “compostable” are created equal. Many compostable service items (e.g., plates, bowls, and utensils) require the high heat and controlled conditions of commercial composting facilities to break down, making them unsuitable for home composting. Meanwhile, items labeled “biodegradable” might take years to decompose and could release harmful substances into the environment. As consumers, we must read labels carefully and stay informed to avoid being misled by “greenwashing.”
The Environmental Impact of Composting
When organic materials ends up in landfills, it decomposes anaerobically (i.e., without oxygen), producing methane—a greenhouse gas twenty-five times more potent than carbon dioxide. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that organic materials like food and yard waste make up about 30% of what we throw away, meaning composting could significantly reduce landfill waste and methane emissions.
According to the EPA, only about 6% of food waste is composted in the United States, while the rest contributes to the staggering 292 million tons of waste generated annually.
Composting has an even more significant impact in Florida, where the subtropical climate supports year-round gardening and agriculture. By returning nutrients to the soil, composting helps combat soil degradation, reduces the need for water, and supports Florida’s unique ecosystems.
What If We All Composted?
If every household in Surfside embraced composting, the collective impact would be transformative. We could drastically reduce our community’s greenhouse gas emissions by diverting food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials from landfills. Moreover, composting at home empowers residents to see firsthand how waste can become a resource, fostering a deeper connection to sustainability.
Our Sustainability and Resiliency Committee is exploring opportunities to make composting more accessible for Surfside residents. Options include:
• Backyard composting for individual households.
• A community composting program.
• A subscription service where a composting company collects organic waste, processes it, and either donates the resulting compost to community gardens or returns it to residents for personal use.
By understanding the differences between home and commercial composting, choosing the right materials, and working together, we can ensure our efforts have a meaningful impact. Let’s continue to make Surfside a leader in sustainability.
Join Us!
Share your ideas and learn more about composting at our next Sustainability Committee meeting at noon on Thursday, February 20th at Town Hall. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future.