Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic waste—such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and other biodegradable materials—into a nutrient-rich soil amendment known as compost. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, along with oxygen and moisture, work together to decompose the organic material over time, transforming it into a dark, crumbly substance that can be used to enrich soil in gardens, farms, and landscaping projects.

Composting offers several benefits, including reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a sustainable, natural fertilizer that promotes soil health. Composting can be done on a small scale at home or on a larger scale by municipalities and commercial facilities.