Land-Grant university scientists and extension specialists are finding important uses for these products. California has recycled more than 1.2 million tons of plant waste into compost for various crops. In one Texas county, people living in rural areas were dumping used oil along fences and behind barns because there was no where to take their oil. They distributed special trays farmers could use when changing oil on their equipment and then could easily drain into the recycle bins. In 1998, more than 2,100 gallons of oil were collected and used to make asphalt for Texas roads.
Litter is good.
If not disposed of properly, nitrogen and phosphorus in litter can contaminate ground and surface water. Delaware researchers discovered that altering the birds' diets can reduce phosphorus levels by up to 80 percent in the litter, making it a suitable fertilizer for crops. Cornell research has shown similar results. Auburn researchers found that producers must wait 18 to 20 days for bacteria to die naturally before using fresh litter as a fertilizer. Purdue Extension educators taught farmers to use poultry waste on nutrient-deficient areas.