ABSTRACT
Composting is considered complete when little decomposable organic material remains. The rate of composting is determined by the conditions to which the compost is exposed. Municipal solid waste generally contains adequate decomposable carbon to serve as a food source for the microorganisms. Municipal solid waste composting is technically more difficult than composting yard or food wastes. While composting processes ordinarily depend on adequate aeration to promote microbial activity, it is also possible to promote anaerobic degradation of organic materials. Methane is valued as a fuel, and anaerobic composting, also known as biogasification, is generally designed with methane production as its primary goal. Potential markets for municipal solid waste compost include land reclamation, landfill cover, greenhouse operations, golf courses, landscaping, nurseries, home gardens, farms, and other outlets. The compostable fraction of packaging wastes is the paper, paperboard, and wood.
