How can compost made from municipal waste be used?

Compost derived from municipal solid waste is a stabilized organic product that serves primarily as a soil conditioner or mulch. Because it possesses a relatively low concentration of plant nutrients compared to synthetic fertilizers, it is typically applied in large quantities to improve soil structure, enhance water storage, and increase pore spacing.123

Beyond its use in gardening and agriculture, processed municipal compost is utilized in various non-agricultural settings, including:

• Landscaping: It is frequently applied to lawns, parks, and golf courses to improve soil health.3
• Waste Integration: Composting allows for the simultaneous processing and recycling of organic garbage and sewage sludge.2
• Energy Recovery: In some waste management frameworks, organic material may also be processed into biogas as an alternative to traditional composting.4

While composting is an essential tool for reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills, the market value of the final product remains a significant constraint, often hindered by high transportation costs and competition with inorganic fertilizers.25