In addition, as yard trimmings and other organic materials decompose in landfills, they contribute to the release of methane gas and acidic leachate and uneven settling. Combustion is generally not a desirable method to manage yard trimmings due to their high moisture content, which inhibits complete burning and results in very little net usable energy for power or steam generation. When burned, yard trimmings also emit nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide gases. If this happens, suppliers may end up creating stockpiles of compost or may not be able to satisfy demand. To help ensure the availability of compost, suppliers can identify markets before composting operations begin and adjust compost production accordingly.
Some municipalities collect yard trimmings at the curb in paper bags like the ones shown here.
Paper bags can withstand rain and snow, and decompose, along with the yard trimmings, during the composting process. The supply of compost produced from yard trimmings is expected to increase in the future. The long-term supply of MSW compost if uncertain because existing facilities have not been operating long enough to make accurate forecasts. Until more MSW composting facilities come into operation, MSW compost availability will continue to be limited. Demand for Compost Compost is a valuable soil amendment that improves many soil properties, such as porosity, structural and thermal stability, water retention, resistance to wind and water erosion, and tillage.