Waste Disposal at Home: Starting a Compost

up-cycled barrel used for separating household waste

Waste disposal is a growing challenge globally, especially in urban areas where waste collection systems are often overwhelmed. However, by adopting better waste management practices at home, individuals can contribute to a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future. One key strategy is proper waste separation, particularly for food waste, which makes up a significant portion of household waste.

Globally, one-fifth of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted—equivalent to one billion meals every day. This waste comes at a high cost: an estimated US$1 trillion annually to the global economy. More critically, food loss and waste generate up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—almost five times more than the aviation sector. Notably, 60% of this food waste occurs at the household level, highlighting the immense potential for impact through improved practices at home. The issue is especially acute in hotter countries, where high temperatures negatively affect food storage, transportation, and processing, increasing the likelihood of spoilage both after harvest and in the home.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) categorizes food waste into three groups:

• Avoidable Food Waste – Edible food that is discarded before consumption due to spoilage, over-purchasing, or improper storage. Examples include expired dairy products, uneaten leftovers, and stale bread.

• Possibly Avoidable Food Waste – Food that is sometimes considered waste but could still be used, such as potato peels, vegetable stems, or slightly bruised fruits. These can often be repurposed into soups, sauces, or compost.

• Unavoidable Food Waste – Inedible food parts such as eggshells, banana peels, and bones. These should be disposed of sustainably, preferably through composting.

By understanding and categorizing food waste, our households can take meaningful steps to minimize waste generation and make better use of available resources.

Proper Storage of Food to Reduce Waste

One of the easiest ways to reduce food waste is through proper storage. Simple habits can extend the shelf life of food and prevent unnecessary spoilage:

• Store dry goods properly: Keep grains, flour, and legumes in airtight containers to prevent moisture and pest infestations.

• Refrigerate perishables: Dairy, meat, and fresh produce should be stored at appropriate temperatures to maintain freshness.

• Use the FIFO method (First In, First Out): Organize food so that older items are used before newer ones.

• Keep fruits and vegetables separate: Some fruits, like bananas and apples, release ethylene gas, which can cause other produce to ripen and spoil faster.

Through better food storage, households can significantly reduce the amount of food that ends up as waste.

Composting: Turning Waste into a Resource

Composting is an excellent way to manage food waste while improving soil health. There are several composting methods suitable for our households:

• Traditional Composting – Organic waste is piled in a pit or container and left to decompose naturally. This method requires occasional turning to aerate the compost and speed up the breakdown process.

• Vermicomposting – Uses earthworms to break down organic matter quickly, creating nutrient-rich compost. This method is ideal for small households and urban settings.

• Bokashi Composting – A fermentation-based method that uses beneficial microorganisms to break down food waste. It is compact and suitable for indoor use, making it a great option for city dwellers.

Conclusion

Managing waste effectively at home is key to reducing landfill waste, preventing pollution, and creating a more sustainable lifestyle. By recognizing the scale and impact of food loss and waste, categorizing waste types, improving storage practices, and adopting composting methods, households can significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

Small daily actions can lead to big changes—for our homes, our communities, and the planet.

Sources:

United Nations Environment Programme/UNEP(2021): Food Waste Index Report 2021.

https://catalogue.unccd.int/1679_FoodWaste.pdf. Accessed on 21/04/2025.

Food and Agriculture Organization/FAO: Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste (TPFLW). https://www.fao.org/platform-food-loss-waste/en. Accessed on 21/04/2025.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation/FAO (2019): The State of Food and Agriculture. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/11f9288f-dc78-4171-8d02-92235b8d7dc7/content. Accessed on 21/04/2025.

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Composting at home.

https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home. Accessed on 21/04/2025.