What is Compost?

/kɒmpɒst Decayed organic material used as a fertilizer for growing plants.

What is Compost?

Compost is the soil-like product of the decomposition of organic materials. Organic material, or carbon-containing material, decays in a process called decomposition or breaking down into the most basic parts. Composting is the act of organic material decomposition. Composting these wastes creates a product that can be used to help improve soils, grow the next generation of crops, and improve water quality.

Do you know?

Compost is the soil-like product of the decomposition of organic materials.

Compost is created by:

• Combining organic wastes, such as wasted food, yard trimmings, and manures, in the right ratios into piles, rows, or vessels.

• Adding bulking agents such as wood chips, as necessary to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials; and

• Allowing the finished material to fully stabilize and mature through a curing process.

How does composting help the environment?

Food waste is one of the biggest waste streams in Singapore and the amount of food waste generated has grown by around 20% over the last 10 years. Food waste accounts for about 12 per cent of the total waste generated in Singapore. The total amount of food waste generated in 2021 was 817,000 tonnes, which was 23% more than the 665,000 tonnes generated in 2020.

Food loss and waste generate an estimated 8-10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions

In addition to reducing landfill emissions, compost makes soil healthier. When layered on top of soil in a garden or on a farm, the organic matter found in compost improves unhealthy soils. It also helps bind soil particles together and holds more water. Better soil helps support plant growth, which can help sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Stronger, nutrient-rich soil also reduces the need for fertilizer and pesticides, which are pollutants themselves and are often produced with destructive mining practices and a high carbon footprint.