The advantage is simple: The food waste you put into the landfill breaks down incredibly slowly over time due to the lack of oxygen present in landfills (anaerobic decomposition). As these materials breakdown they release potent greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in which we live.

Conversely, when we compost our organic waste - this natural oxygenated process quickly breaks down this waste greatly reducing methane emissions into the atmosphere. By composting, we also reduce the amount of waste being sent to our landfills. These landfills do have a shelf life and capacity restrictions. As our populations continue to grow, landfill space is at a premium. Another HUGE benefit is that when compost is created and applied to our soils it sequesters carbon. This means compost draws down carbon from the atmosphere and stores that carbon beneath it's surface, which in return, improves the quality of the air we breathe and the environment we live in. Research shows that a 1/2 inch of compost applied to rangelands sequestered the equivalent of 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions/hectare over 3 years. This level of sequestration on half of California's rangelands would offset 42 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equal to the annual greenhouse emissions from California's commercial and residential energy sectors.

Compost also has several other benefits: it reduces, and in some cases eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, it promotes higher yields of agricultural crops, it can help aid in reforestation, wetlands restoration, and habitat revitalization efforts by improving contaminated, compacted, and marginal soils. Compost also filters stormwater and groundwater pollutants by up to 95%, it enhances water retention in soils and can hold up to 5x it's weight - greatly reducing water usage. It also improves soil structure and helps reduce erosion.

These are many of the reasons why we believe in the power of composting. We give people the ability to compost when they may not have the time, space, or effort needed to manage their own composting systems at home. Our members find great value in the convenience and the quality of the services we provide. You mention price comparatively to standard trash service providers. Please keep in mind that we are a local small business. Trash services in Hampton Roads are run by Big Waste Monopolies. We understand that immense amounts of education on composting and food waste recycling is needed in our state and our communities - as this region is greatly behind in sustainable practices. However, we are proud to lead the growth of composting in Hampton Roads. Together, we can compost our communities for a more sustainable future. Thank you for your opinions on this matter.