Composting 101 How Composting Works

The video discusses a school initiative to reduce waste by implementing recycling and composting. Initially, the school faced overflowing trash cans and high waste disposal costs. Students learned about recycling and composting, discovering that worms play a crucial role in breaking down food waste. The initiative significantly reduced garbage, from 12 bags to half a bag per lunch period. Despite initial challenges in getting students to sort waste correctly, the program succeeded with the help of Terracycle, which pays for certain recyclables. The video concludes with advice for other schools to start similar programs.

What was the initial problem observed in the school cafeteria?

• No recycling bins available

• Insufficient seating for students

• Overflowing trash cans with various waste

• Lack of food options

How does composting help in reducing waste?

• By mixing waste with chemicals

• By burning waste materials

• By using worms to decompose food scraps

• By storing waste in underground pits

What is the role of worms in the composting process?

• They help in mixing the compost

• They scare away pests from the compost

• They eat the food scraps and produce nutrient-rich compost

• They are used to measure the temperature of the compost

What challenge did students face when implementing the recycling program?

• Lack of interest from teachers

• Insufficient recycling bins

• Difficulty in getting students to separate waste correctly

• No support from the school administration

How did the school benefit financially from recycling efforts?

• By charging students for recycling services

• By selling compost to local farmers

• By receiving payments from TerraCycle for specific recyclables

• By reducing the cost of waste disposal