Not all biodegradable materials are suitable to compost. Composting is a human-driven process in which biodegradation occurs.
Introduction
In the age of ever-increasing environmental awareness, we are confronted with the dilemma of reducing our global emissions and the environmental toll caused by waste disposal. One of the approaches used to achieve this goal has been the increasing focus on biodegradable and compostable materials used to construct everyday products. This article will explore the differences between biodegradability, recycling and compostability and will further analyze the implications of each approach on the environment.
Defining Biodegradability
Biodegradability is the capacity of a material to decompose in a short period. When microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae naturally convert materials into biomass, carbon dioxide, and water. The main ingredient is not petroleum-based and is usually made from plant or animal sources. For example, we can refer to paper, vegetable waste and some forms of bio-plastics made from materials such as corn starch, which are used in the production of biodegradable tableware.
Technically, all materials are biodegradable. But it takes 450 years to decompose a plastic water bottle. Industrial processes may convert biodegradable materials in landfills into forms unrecognizable by microbes and enzymes. This will facilitate biodegradation. An example is crude oil, which breaks down easily and quickly in its original form. But when it turns into plastic, it is no longer biodegradable.
Bio-based tableware is durable and does not have harmful effects like plastics. However, this does not mean that after using these products, we are allowed to throw them into nature and make nature ugly. Every waste shall be put in the proper bin.
Defining Recycling
Recycling is the process of collecting and separating materials that can be reused or turned into something new. Common examples of recyclable items include paper, plastic, aluminium, cardboard, and glass. The materials are then transported to a sorting facility where they are sorted and cleaned before being turned into new products.
Recycling offers several environmental benefits, including reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, reducing energy consumption, and reducing the emission of air pollutants from incinerators. Additionally, it can also reduce the consumption of finite natural resources, such as metals and paper fibres.
Defining Composability
Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials into nutrient-rich soil. Organic materials include fruits, vegetables, leaves, grass clippings, and other plant matter. Composting accelerates the natural process of decomposition and provides essential nutrients to the soil that helps plants grow and thrive.
Composting has become widely popular in recent years as more and more people recognize the benefits of having nutrient-rich soil on their property. It provides a much-needed alternative to traditional chemical fertilizer and helps to reduce waste that would otherwise go to landfills. Additionally, composting is great for reducing water pollution, as it helps retain moisture and reduces the amount of runoff that ends up in waterways.
Composting factors
1- Inventory of raw materials and nutrients
Composting requires the right balance of “green” organic matter, “brown” organic matter and “Water”. “Green” organic materials include food waste, manure, grass clippings, vegetable/fruit scraps, and coffee grounds, which contain large amounts of nitrogen. “Brown” organic matter includes dry leaves, wood chips, and twigs that contain a lot of carbon but little nitrogen. “Water” – Having the right amount of water, greens and browns is important for compost development. Your compost pile should have an equal amount of browns to greens. Also, layers of organic materials of particles of different sizes should be replaced. Brown material provides carbon for your compost, green material provides nitrogen, and water provides moisture to break down organic matter. Getting the right combination of nutrients takes time and experimentation.
2- Particle size
Grinding and crushing materials increase the surface on which microorganisms feed. Smaller particles also produce a more uniform compost composition and provide insulation to retain moisture in the environment. If the particles are too small, they may block the airflow.
3- Humidity
Microorganisms that live in a compost pile need adequate moisture to survive. Water is the key ingredient that helps transport materials within the compost pile and makes the nutrients in the organic matter available to microbes. Organic matter contains some moisture in varying amounts. But moisture may also be in the form of rain or intentional irrigation.
4- Oxygen flow
Moving the compost piles, placing them on a series of pipes, and the presence of wood chips and newspaper shreds will aerate the compost pile. Aeration allows rapid decomposition compared to anaerobic conditions. However, excessive oxygen should be avoided. Because it will dry out and disrupt the compost mass.
5- Temperatures
Microorganisms need a certain temperature range for optimal activity. Certain temperatures promote rapid composting and kill pathogens and weed seeds. Microbial activity can raise the core temperature of the compost pile to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is not increased, anaerobic conditions (i.e. decay) will occur. Controlling the previous four factors can create the right temperature.
Biodegradability Vs Compostability
When comparing biodegradability and compostability, there are several key points to consider. Firstly, biodegradability relies solely on the action of microorganisms to break down the material, whereas compostability relies on the combination of heat, humidity, and air circulation to aid in the decomposition process.
Secondly, decomposition in a biodegradable setting typically takes longer than in a compostable setting. This is because decomposition in biodegradable materials is much more reliant on the action of microorganisms and, as a result, takes more time. Conversely, the environments created in compostable materials are designed to speed up the decomposition process and, as a result, can break down the material in as little as 6 weeks.
Thirdly, biodegradable materials typically do not leave any harmful residue, whereas compostable materials often do. This is because compostable materials are often subjected to higher-than-normal temperatures, intensity humidity, and air circulation, which can have harmful effects if not managed properly.
Implications
The implications of biodegradability versus compostability can be both positive and negative depending on the materials being used. On the positive side, both methods reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills and, as a result, reduce the environmental toll caused by waste disposal. Additionally, compostable materials can be re-used as nutritious soil amendments for crops and plants, providing an added benefit.
On the negative side, both biodegradable and compostable materials can leave behind toxins as they break down. Certain biodegradable materials can release methane gas, which is a powerful greenhouse gas capable of trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. Compostable materials can also release nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause runoff into waterways and pollute water sources.
Recycling Vs Composting
Material – The biggest difference between recycling and composting is the type of materials each process uses. Recycling focuses on collecting and processing materials that can be reused or turned into new products, such as glass, plastic, and aluminium. Composting focuses on decomposing organic materials like fruits, vegetables, and other plant matter.
Energy – A key advantage of recycling over composting is that it takes less energy to process and manufacture recycled materials. For example, it takes substantially more energy to make plastic from petroleum-based materials than it does to recycle it.
Benefits – Both recycling and composting provide environmental benefits, but they benefit the environment in different ways. Recycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, while composting helps reduce water pollution by retaining moisture and reducing the amount of fertiliser runoff.
Conclusion
In conclusion, biodegradability and compostability can both offer a range of benefits to the environment if used correctly. However, it is important to be aware of the potential ramifications of using either method, particularly with regard to the release of toxins into the environment. As such, it is important to carefully consider the material and the decomposition approach that best suits the needs of your particular situation