Decomposing organic materials

The Cornell University Center for the Environment's internet site The Science and Engineering of Composting provides all the background information necessary to understand successful composting, including simple and well-explained equations. The content is divided into four categories: (1) Background Information covers four key areas of composting: invertebrates, microbes, chemistry, and physics; (2) Getting the Right Mix introduces composters to the concepts necessary for creating a successful compost pile, including moisture content, bio-availability, and carbon content; (3) Composting Experiments offers ideas for projects to investigate factors influencing the composting process, such as temperature, pH, and invertebrates; and (4) Composting Engineering Fundamentals focuses on three engineering principles used in composting: process analysis, odor management, and water quality protection.

1.6 million tonnes (7 per cent) of household waste was collected for recycling or composting during 1996/7 in the UK.