Biosolids contain essential plant nutrients and organic matter that provide fertilization and soil amendment. Chemical characterisitics such as salinity and pH may also be a consideration for some applications of compost backyard compost Backyard compost is typically made from kitchen scraps and yard waste. In the northwest there are generally strong markets for compost not only in forestry and agricultural applications, but also for home gardens and urban parks. Counties and cities in the region specify compost for landscaping. In addition, Washington State's Dept. of Transportation frequently specifies compost-amended topsoil for road and highway projects.
Many cities also encourage backyard composting by providing low cost compost bins to residences.
Too much nitrogen may cause the generation of ammonia gas which can create unpleasant odors. In municipal solid waste composting, if residences generate unusually large quantities of grass clippings, for example, odor problems may result. It is taken to a central location and formed into windrows, triangular-shaped rows from 5 to 8 feet high and as long as necessary. Turning for aeration is done about once a month using a front-end loader or other type of heavy equipment made specifically for that purpose. The temperature and moisture are checked twice a week.