Did you know that aerobic composting is way better for the planet than anaerobic composting?
What’s the difference?
And did you know that only two of Kenmore’s 82 apartment complexes provide bins for food waste composting (the good, aerobic kind)?
First let’s look at the difference between aerobic composting and anaerobic composting. Whether organic waste (including food scraps) is going into the land fill or a composting facility, aren’t they both decomposing and producing greenhouse gases? The short answer is yes, but not equally—far from equally.
When you send your food waste to the landfill, it decomposes anaerobically, meaning without the help of oxygen to aid the decomposition process. Anaerobic decomposition produces both methane gas (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. Both CH4 and CO2 are greenhouse gases, but CH4 traps heat up to 25 times more than CO2.
On the other hand, when you put your food waste in the yard waste bin, it goes to Cedar Grove in Everett which decomposes your food waste aerobically (with oxygen). Aerobic decomposition still produces CO2, but it produces much less CH4 than anaerobic decomposition. Plus, you’re making rich compost to go back into the earth productively; and you’re not taking up limited landfill space. Learn more about the benefits of compost in Cedar Grove’s City Soil newsletter (
cedar-grove.com).
What can you do about it?
Ask your landlord to provide bins for organic waste, including food waste. Your landlord may tell you that it’s not an option, but that’s not correct. Landlords can sign up and provide these bins through Republic Services. Call 206-682-3037 for Republic Services or visit their website at
www.republicservices.com/municipality/kenmore-wa to learn more.
If you live in a single family home, you can sign up for a yard waste bin which includes food waste. Approximately 1,800 of Kenmore’s 6,200 single family homes do not sign up for the yard waste bin. Call 206-682-3037 for Republic Services or visit their website at
www.republicservices.com/municipality/kenmore-wa to learn more.
Is there a location in Kenmore where I can bring my food waste for composting?
Unfortunately, no. But this idea is something the City is exploring.
Can I do my own composting in my backyard?
Yes, but for it to work aerobically, you need to mix your organics with air and water regularly and frequently. You can learn more about backyard composting on Youtube and other sources on the internet.
