Take note:

-1 kg of food waste produces around 0.5 kg of compost that can be used in agriculture to replace artificial fertilisers.

-Each person throws away an average of 200kg of food waste every year.

-In 2020, the Environmental Fund financed 228 municipalities with 1 million 140 thousand euros under the Support Programme for the Preparation of Municipal Studies for the Development of Biowaste Collection Systems. The conclusions of this programme will make it possible to support the drafting of the future strategic plan for municipal waste (PERSU 2030) in Portugal, the aim of which is to implement a system for the separation and recycling of bio-waste by the end of 2023. From 1 January 2024, the separate collection of bio-waste will be compulsory for all municipalities.

We have various composting solutions for schools, local authorities and private individuals.

Composting is a natural process of decomposing organic matter, such as food scraps, leaves, grass clippings and other plant waste. It is a method used to transform this waste into a material called compost or organic fertiliser, which can be used to improve soil quality and provide nutrients for plants.

During composting, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and earthworms work to break down organic waste. These microorganisms consume the organic materials and transform them into plant-available nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

The composting process usually takes place in a specific pile or container, known as a compost bin. The compost bin provides ideal conditions, such as temperature, humidity and aeration, to speed up the decomposition of the waste. During the process, it is necessary to provide a suitable mix of nitrogen-rich waste (such as food scraps) and carbon-rich waste (such as dry leaves) to ensure the necessary balance for decomposition.

Composting is a sustainable and environmentally friendly practice, as it reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill sites, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to soil and plant health. What's more, the compost produced can be used instead of chemical fertilisers, thus reducing the environmental impact.

1-After the compost bin has been installed, a base or bed of dry woody material should be placed at the bottom (the structuring agent we were talking about earlier, which is prepared from dry vegetable waste). This layer should be about 10 centimetres high at the bottom of the compost bin. Its function will be to facilitate aeration and the entry of microorganisms into it.2-Then you can add the rest of the material depending on your needs, of course. We recommend that whenever you add fresh material (organic food and vegetable waste) you also add dry material. This will keep the moisture in, as well as allowing air to circulate in the compost.3-Each time you introduce new material, you need to stir the leftovers. Mix them with the layer of material immediately below and cover everything with the structuring agent. It is highly recommended that you stir thoroughly at least every two or three weeks. In this way, the material is homogenised and problems in the deep parts are avoided.4-It is also necessary to check the moisture of the material when doing deep stirrings, and to water or add dry leftovers according to the needs that the compost will have