The main difference between recycling and composting is that recycling involves converting waste materials into new, useful materials and objects, whereas composting involves the biological decomposition of organic materials.
We can describe composting as a form of recycling. In fact, it is nature’s method of recycling organic matter like food waste and plant parts into a fertilizer that can enrich the soil.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Recycling
– Definition, Features, Benefits
2. What is Composting
– Definition, Features, Benefits
3. Relationship Between Recycling and Composting
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Recycling and Composting
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Composting, Recycling
What is Recycling
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new, useful materials and objects. This prevents the creation of waste, reduces the use of fresh raw materials, minimizes environmental pollution, and decreases the need for traditional waste disposal. Moreover, recycling is a major element in waste reduction, which follows the hierarchy of ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle.’ Since recycling can save energy, it also decreases greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn helps to battle climate change.
Most of the items we use in our daily lives are recyclable. Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, textiles, tires, batteries, as well as electronics are all recyclable materials. Kitchen and garden waste can also be recycled via the process of composting. In general, recyclable waste materials are sorted, cleaned, and reprocessed into new materials.
What is Composting
Composting is a method of decomposing organic matter. Composting is nature’s process of recycling. It mainly involves decomposing plants, food waste, and other organic materials. The resulting mixture is called compost, which is rich in plant nutrients and beneficial organisms. The nutrients in compost make the soli rich, healthy, and conducive to plant growth. Generally, decomposition involves microorganisms, air, and water.
Composting basically requires three types of ingredients as browns, greens, and water. Browns are materials like dead leaves, branches, and twigs. Greens, on the other hand, include grass, vegetable waste, fruit peels, and other food waste. The greens tend to be rich in nitrogen whereas the browns tend to be rich in carbon. Having the right amounts of these three ingredients is important for composting. Furthermore, for composting to happen effectively, microorganisms need carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water.
There are many ways to make compost at home. First, you have to find an appropriate place in your yard – preferably a dry, shady place near a water source. Then, you have to add the browns and greens as they collect; chop or shred the larger pieces. Also, make sure to moisten the dry ingredients. When the compost is dark and rich in colour, it’s ready to use. This may take some months.
Furthermore, composting has many benefits. Mainly, it reduces waste and creates a free garden resource. It also enriches the soil and helps plant growth. Moreover, it reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. In addition to all the above, it’s relatively easy and cheap to make.
Relationship Between Recycling and Composting
- Composting is a method of recycling.
- Both recycling and composting have many environmental benefits: preventing the creation of waste, reducing the use of fresh raw materials, minimizing environmental pollution, as well as decreasing the need for traditional waste disposal.
Difference Between Recycling and Composting
Definition
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new, useful materials and objects, while composting is a method of decomposing organic matter.
Nature
Composting is a natural process, while recycling is a man-made process.
Materials
Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, textiles, tires, batteries, and electronics are all recyclable materials, while composting only involves organic matter: plant parts, food waste, etc.
Conclusion
The main difference between recycling and composting is that recycling involves converting waste materials into new, useful materials and objects, whereas composting involves the biological decomposition of organic materials. In fact, composting is nature’s method of recycling organic matter.
Reference:
1. “Composting At Home.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 29 Oct. 2020.
2. “What Is Recycling and Why Is Recycling Important?” Conserve Energy Future, 16 Aug. 2020.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Recycle-bin-container-recycling” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Free food waste composting” (CC0) via Raw Pixel
Leave a Reply