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editA green bin is a large, movable, rigid plastic or metal container that contains biodegradable waste or compostable materials as a means to divert waste from landfills. In some local authorities, green bins are also used to contain unsorted municipal solid waste.
The program's purpose is to reduce the amount of waste shipped to landfills by recycling biodegradable waste into compost. The programs collect kitchen and related organic waste (typically including soiled paper products, pet waste, sawdust, and similar items) using a waist-high green curbside container, for which the programs are named. The municipality picks up the waste on a regular basis along with other garbage and recycling collections, and composts it at an industrial composting facility. While it is true that home composting can also serve this purpose, the green bin programs are viewed as being more convenient and more inclusive of source materials.
What Goes in a Green Bin
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A green bin, typically designated for organic waste, plays a crucial role in waste management and environmental sustainability. It is intended for the disposal of biodegradable materials such as food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard waste, and other biodegradable substances. To be specific, suitable items include fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, yard trimmings, coffee filters, napkins, and small amounts of food waste[2]. When these organic materials are properly disposed of in a green bin, they undergo composting, a natural process that transforms them into nutrient-rich compost. This compost can then be used to enrich soil, promote plant growth, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Compost made of biodegradable materials create a healthy foundation to plant additional greens.
Guidelines When Utilizing a Green Bin
editWhen utilizing a green bin, there are a few common practices that help maintain the bin to remain cleaner and prevent lingering odors.[3] The first recommendation is to keep the container in the shade, as heat increases the smell of food waste. Secondly, lining the bottom of the pin with backyard waste and paper bags before placing it in food waste comes with two benefits. The food won't stick to the bottom of the bin allowing for more time to rot and the layer serves as an absorber for excess moisture. An additional step that can be followed prior to placing food waste onto the layer, is wrapping the food with newspaper or other compostable paper. There is also the option to hose down the container to tackle down any lingering odors.
What Happens to Food Waste in Landfills
editPlacing items in the proper bins limits the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. When food waste sits in landfills, the common assumption is food will decompose naturally, however, that is not the case. Rather, when the food rots it produces a greenhouse gas, methane. It is estimated that food waste equates "for 58% of landfill methane emissions to the atmosphere."[4] By diverting organic waste from landfills, the environmental impact of methane gas emissions is minimized. In essence, utilization of green bins fosters environmental health and reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional waste disposal methods.