COMPOSTING: A NATURAL WAY TO REDUCE WASTE AND KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.

Composting is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce waste, enrich the soil, and contribute to a healthier environment.

Recently, during an engagement by TGED foundation with market women in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria, the conversation around waste took an interesting turn. It was eye-opening to see how much organic waste is generated daily in local markets and how little of it is put to good use. Rather than letting these food remnants go to waste, composting offers a sustainable and profitable alternative.

During the Market Waste Composting Initiative held in March 2025 by TGED foundation, one of the most exciting takeaways was how eager market women were to explore composting in their daily lives. Many were surprised to learn how easily their discarded food scraps could be turned into something beneficial. And this gave birth to the question WHAT IS COMPOSTING?

Composting

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter—such as food scraps, leaves, and agricultural waste—into a nutrient-rich fertilizer that benefits plants and soil. Instead of allowing organic waste to rot in landfills and release harmful methane gas, composting harnesses nature’s process of decomposition to create a valuable resource for farming and gardening.

Why is Composting Important?

1. Reduces Landfill Waste – Over 50% of household waste in Nigeria is organic. Composting helps divert this waste from landfills, reducing pollution.

2. Improves Soil Health – Compost enriches the soil with essential nutrients, enhances moisture retention, and supports beneficial microorganisms.

3. Cuts Down on Chemical Fertilizers – Farmers and gardeners can use compost as a natural alternative to synthetic fertilizers, which can harm the environment and human health.

4. Lowers Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting significantly reduces this impact.

5. Supports Sustainable Agriculture – Small-scale farmers can improve crop yields naturally, reducing dependency on costly, synthetic fertilizers.

How to Start Composting

Composting is simple and requires minimal effort. Here’s how you can start:

1. Choose a Composting Spot – A small corner in your backyard, garden, or even a compost bin will work.

2. Collect Organic Waste – Gather fruit peels, vegetable scraps, eggshells, dry leaves, and coffee grounds. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods as they attract pests.

3. Layer Your Compost – Alternate between green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Green includes food scraps, while brown includes dry leaves and paper.

4. Keep it Moist and Aerated – Turn your compost pile every few days and keep it damp to speed up decomposition.

5. Wait and Use – In a few months, your compost will transform into dark, crumbly soil-like material, ready for use in your garden or farm.

As waste management remains a major challenge in Nigeria, composting offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for individuals, communities, and businesses. Encouraging schools, households, and local governments to embrace composting can significantly reduce environmental pollution and promote healthier food production. By making composting a habit, you’re not just reducing waste—you’re helping to build a greener, more sustainable future for Nigeria. Start composting today!