Wastepaper improves biowaste composting

By expanding the definition of biowaste to include nonrecyclable or soiled paper, most moisture, odor and other related collection and treatment problems can be remediated without changing the way compostable waste is collected and processed. Large amounts of bulking agents are required during composting to absorb moisture and prevent leachate. Wastepaper and disposable paper products are usually drier and will therefore absorb excess moisture coming from kitchen and yard wastes. This prevents formation of odor in homes and makes it feasible to collect biowaste less frequently. The incorporation of wastepaper in the biowaste fraction corrects the carbon to nitrogen ratio of the biowaste. Typical values of biowaste range from 15 to 20. The inclusion of waste paper will increase the C:N ratio to 25 or more. Biowaste should be redefined to those materials that are compostable.