The Benefits of Collecting Food Scraps for Composting

Compost prevents greenhouse gas emissions

When organic matter is sent to a landfill, it is buried deep underground by other trash, cutting off its access to oxygen. Therefore, the organic waste is broken down by microbes that produce gas and undergoes anaerobic decomposition which produces greenhouse gases as a side product [1]. In contrast, microbes that produce greenhouse gases are not active in the presence of oxygen, so organic waste will undergo aerobic decomposition and be broken down by microorganisms that require oxygen to produce compost [2]. 

Composting in Baltimore is particularly important because the city generates a significant amount of organic waste. According to the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, approximately 25% of the city's waste is comprised of  food waste [3]. Composting food waste in Baltimore can help reduce the city's carbon footprint and create a valuable resource that can be used to improve local soil health.

Fortunately, there are several initiatives and organizations in Baltimore working to promote composting. Many have been outlined in our interactive map and on our resources page, and we encourage you to take a look and learn about any that may be in your area!

Heat islands in Baltimore

Heat islands emerge when man-made structures (such as roads, buildings, sidewalks, and other concrete structures) are dense in a given area and replace the natural green landscape that was there originally [4]. In these areas, the high concentration of structures “absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes” do, creating a heat island, meaning the urban areas experience higher temperatures than the surroundings (Environmental Protection Agency, 2022). Since urban areas usually contain a variety of structures that replace natural greenery, heat islands are common in cities. Research has revealed that in Baltimore, where some of the hottest heat islands exist, urban heating disproportionally affects low-income, black neighborhoods [5]. 

To combat the temperature rises created by heat islands in Baltimore, communities are looking to incorporate green infrastructure around the city [5]. Some examples of green infrastructure include placing compost on soil, planting more trees to cover sidewalks, and covering large, open spaces with plants (like roofs) to create gardens [5]. In Baltimore, compost can be used to improve soil to grow better food in Baltimore, which will hopefully  improve the quality of greenspace in Baltimore neighborhoods as a result. Therefore, it is important for Baltimore to divert food waste from the incinerator by donating food scraps to organizations who promote community gardens and can create compost for reducing heat islands in the city!

Want to learn more about how composting impacts the environment?

Check out the links below to find more information on how compost impacts the planet:

• The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR): Compost Impacts More than You Think, How Compost Combats the Climate Crisis, Compost for a Better Planet.

• The Maryland Department of the Environment: Organics Diversion and Composting.