Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic material. Naturally occurring soil organisms recycle nitrogen, phosphorous, and other plant nutrients as they break down organic material to form rich soil. Keeping organic matter out of your waste stream can reduce your trash output by as much as 50%.

Composting does more than reduce our need for landfills. It reduces trash hauling and disposal costs, pollution, and provides a valuable soil additive.

It's easy to compost and Amherst makes it even easier by offering home composting bins at a discounted price.

Compost replenishes nutrients in the soil, making it easier to work and reducing the need for fertilizer. It makes plants healthy, so they can survive pests, reducing or eliminating the need for pesticides.

The following are some of the effects of compost on your plant soil: