What are the benefits of composting?

There are many benefits to composting!

  • Cuts down on trash and expenses. Charlestonians throw away over 15,000 tons of food scraps each year, making up 1/4 of the city's collected garbage. Composting saves space and taxpayer money needed for disposal in landfills.
  • Combats climate change. Food waste recycling will help meet 3 Charleston Climate Action Plan goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and protecting our air and water from pollution to fight climate change.
  • Protects against flooding. Composting nourishes our soil for healthier parks and gardens and increases stormwater absorption capacity to help reduce flooding. 
  • Saves plants and animals. Composting reduces the need for expensive and polluting chemical fertilizers, makes plants healthier, and can be implemented without harming wildlife or ecosystem health.

Show All Answers

1. Why are the food scrap carts locked and what is the lock code?
2. Should I use a compostable liner bag in my bin or pour food scraps into cart loosely?
3. Is there a difference between biodegradable and compostable?
4. I live in the region but not in the official City of Charleston limits, may I participate too?
5. Can I add yard debris to the food scrap carts?
6. Where can I report a maintenance concern or program issue?
7. Why aren't there more drop sites?
8. How do I store my food scraps?
9. How frequently should I drop-off my food scraps?
10. Will the program accept compostable bags and other BPI certified compostable containers?
11. Where will the food scraps go?
12. How often are the food-waste carts emptied?
13. What are the benefits of composting?
14. How do I sign-up and is there a cost?
15. How do I participate and when are drop sites open?
16. What items can I put in the food scrap carts?
17. How is commercial composting different from backyard composting?
18. I already compost in my backyard, can I still drop off food scraps and participate in the program?
19. I’d like to compost in my backyard, do you have any tips?
20. Can businesses compost using this program?