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What Is Compost?

compost_heartCompost is decomposed organic matter that is used as a soil amendment.

Rich in nutrients, compost is a valuable natural resource for building healthy soil and plants in gardens, landscaping, farms and parks. Compost filters runoff to protect our streams and lakes, prevents soil erosion, protects plants from diseases, and saves you money by reducing summer irrigation needs.

Fun fact: Compostable items don’t turn into compost if you put them in the garbage. Because buried food isn’t exposed to oxygen in a landfill, it slowly decomposes and creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Seattle’s food and yard waste is sent to local high-tech composting facilities where it breaks down into compost in about two months.

Seattle businesses and residents divert more than 125,000 tons of waste from the landfill through composting every year.