Traditional composting is a natural and environmentally friendly method of recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich soil conditioner. Theprocess typically beings by collecting a diverse mix of organic materials,including kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other compostable items, and thenlayering and turning the mixture regularly to ensure proper aeration, a crucialelement for the growth of beneficial microorganisms. The decomposition process,driven by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, breaks down the organicmatter into humus—a dark, crumbly substance rich in essential nutrients.Adequate moisture and a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio are key factors inoptimizing the composting process.
Typically, this process can take anywhere from 2-6months beforethe compost matures into a valuable soil amendment, enhancing soil structure,water retention, and nutrient content. However, if the compost pile lacksproper aeration, has an imbalanced ratio of carbon to nitrogen, or experiencesunfavorable moister conditions, the decomposition process maybe slower, extending the time needed for the compost to reach maturity. It's essential for composters to monitor and manage these factors to optimize the composting process.
“According to the EPA, in 2018 the United States generated 292.4million tons of waste. Of that, 98.5 million tons were green waste with 45.6million tons sent to landfills.” - US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), November 22, 2023
While a widely adopted method of organic waste management, traditional composting is not without its drawbacks. One significant limitation is the time required for the composting process to reach maturity. This extended timeframe, often taking several months up to a year for compost maturity, may not align with the urgency for waste disposal needs. The types of waste suitable for traditional composting are also restricted, excluding items like meat, dairy, and oily foods due to the risk of attracting pests or causing imbalances of the compost. Furthermore, the decomposition phase in traditional composting releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane emissions, contributing to greenhouse gases. Achieving and maintaining the optimal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, crucial for efficient decomposition, can be challenging and requires careful monitoring and management. While traditional composting remains a valuable practice, acknowledging these drawbacks is essential for refining and developing more efficient and sustainable waste management solutions.
Rapidly growing innovation company, MicroSnap Carbon, has taken the traditional composting method and revolutionized the process using hyper triggered microorganisms to exponentially accelerate the breakdown and stabilization of organic waste. These Microorganisms are specially cultivated and unique to each region. In contact with aerobic conditions used in traditional composting, MicroSnap uses hyper-processing in anaerobic conditions to convert the raw materials into a stable form for long-term carbon storage and greenhouse gas prevention. This prevents mass, nutrient, and carbon loss by hyper-preserving the green waste in an oxygen-absent environment. The result is a nutrient-rich, stabilized biomass where the carbon has been trapped and no methane is produced - a perfect mixture for fertilizer and other useful applications.
Aerobic
Emits CO2 & Methane
Longer Process
60% Loss of Weight
Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio = 10:1*
Fermentation & Stabilization Anaerobic
No CO2 or Methane Emissions
Stabilization in 2 weeks
3% loss of Weight
Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ration = 19:5*
“Unlike traditional composting, with MicroSnap, scraps of all kinds - including meat and dairy products banned from aerobic systems - are compacted, inoculated and sealed for conversion without releasing carbon dioxide and methane back into the atmosphere” - Matt Merchant (MicroSnap Founder)
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