Education

We believe that food scraps are a valuable resource that should be turned into compost and used to nourish our gardens, farms, and landscapes. That's why we only work with reputable composters to turn this incredible resource into high-quality soils.

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What is Compost?

"Compost is the product manufactured through the controlled aerobic, biological decomposition of biodegradable materials. The product has undergone mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures, which significantly reduces the viability of pathogens and weed seeds and stabilizes the carbon such that it is beneficial to plant growth. Compost is typically used as a soil amendment, but may also contribute plant nutrients."

Read more on the USCC's definition of compost.

How is it Made?

There are many ways to make compost, with no right or wrong method. Our partners have decided to use windrow composting at their facilities.

  • Material is collected by haulers, like us, and tipped in a designated area at the compost yard.
  • Some material, like yard waste, is shredded before mixing with other feed stocks and placing into windrow piles.
  • Over the next few months, piles are regularly turned to incorporate oxygen and water, and are monitored for temperature.
  • Over a 6 to 12 month period the compost has gone through all necessary phases, the material is cured, screened, and staged for use.

Environmental Benefits

Fights Climate Change

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions at the landfill and sequesters carbon from the atmosphere when applied to soil.

Improves Public Health

Reduces effects of erosion and drought; improves soil, plant health, and water quality.

Reduces Pollution

Replacement for chemical fertilizers, which cause eutrophication, algal blooms, and fish die offs.

Landfill Diversion

Building landfills is expensive; diverting organics extends the life of existing landfills, and compost facilities will never "fill up" like landfills.

Circular Economy & Jobs

Composting turns waste products into a new, valuable resource that can be sold back into the community, generating local revenue and new jobs.

What Can Be Composted?

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Acceptable Materials

If it grows, it goes! We can accept all food scraps regardless if they are pre or post consumer, cooked, uncooked, spoiled, rotten, or moldy.

Accepted items include fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds/ filters and tea bags, bread and grain products, dairy products, meat and bones, chemical-free paper towel and napkins*, and certified compostable products**.

 

*Chemical-free paper = unbleached, undyed, and plastic free.

**Certified compostable products must be third-certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).

Non-Accepted Materials

When in doubt, leave it out! If you are ever unsure about any item’s compostability do not include it in your compost.

Contamination includes traditional plastic, metal, cardboard, glass, condiment packaging, bleached paper, and pet waste.

If you have any questions about what materials can and cannot be composted with us, do not hesitate to reach out and ask. We appreciate your commitment to helping us reduce contamination and create high quality compost!

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Additional Resources

Downloadable Resources

MGM Acceptable Materials for Composting

MGM Composting Information & The Benefits

In The News

External Resources

Certifications of Note

  • Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
    “The BPI Certification Mark indicates the end-of-life opportunity for a compostable product. BPI Certification guides manufacturers in designing items, understanding what ingredients they can use, and how to make an independent compostability claim that consumers and composters can trust. The BPI Certification Mark helps consumers to identify and trust that an item is compostable and can be diverted with food scraps where programs exist. Composters are able to identify and trust that certified products mixed with food scraps and yard trimmings will break down during the regular composting process and will not negatively impact compost quality.”
  • Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Program
    The US Composting Council’s STA Certified Compost Program ensures clarity, consistency, and confidence for consumers of compost and soil products. My Green Michigan works with reputable facilities who produce certified products which are manufactured and tested to meet high quality standards.