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NCSU Department of Biological and Agriclutural Engineering North Carolina Cooperative Extension
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Food Waste Management

Contact:

Rhonda Sherman
Extension Solid Waste Specialist
Biological & Agricultural Engineering
 E-mail: sherman@ncsu.edu

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Bio & Ag Extension Information

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AG473-26-Food Recovery and Waste Reduction: A Guide for Businesses and Institutions-pdf

AG473-18-Worms Can Recycle Your Garbage - pdf

AG551-Worm Away Your Cafeteria Food Scraps -pdf

Web sites

Vermicomposting Site

graphic with all types of fruits and vegetables. Graphic lettering says Food scrap composting: Feeding the earth what you don't eat.

Why is food scrap composting desirable?

Every day, households, schools, institutions, and businesses throw leftover table scraps and food preparation waste into the garbage. The garbage ust be picked up and transported to a disposal facility--at significant financial and environmental cost. Through composting or vermicomposting, food scraps are transformed into a nutrient-rich soil amendment for plants and gardens.

How are food scraps composted?

garbage full of food scraps

Composting is the aerobic decomposition of organic materials by micoorganisms under controlled conditions into a soil-like substance called compost. During composting, microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down complex organic compounds into simpler substances and produce carbon dioxide, water, minerals, and stabilized organic matter (compost). The process produces heat, which can destroy pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) and weed seeds.

Are their any kinds of food scraps that should not be composted?

At home, don't put meat, fish, dairy products, grease, oil, bloodmeal or bones in your compost bin. Cover kitchen scraps or vegetable garden trimmings with brown leaves or other carbon materials. Large-scale composting facilities are able to compost all of these materials (with the proper permits).

Tools Needed to Get Started

Click on the Home Composting link to find out home to compost at home. Businesses, institutions, and farms can click on the Large-Scale Composting link for more information.

 

Publications and Internet Resources

BAE Publications

Internet Resources