Sending your kitchen and yard waste to the landfill actually contributes to climate change. This is because the truck that takes your garbage to the landfill releases greenhouse gases as it burns fuel. And when your waste begins to decompose in the landfill, it releases methane gas into the atmosphere. Methane is one of the key greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Luckily, in 2003 a facility was built in the Capital Regional District that creates electricity out of methane emissions captured from the Hartland Landfill. The facility now produces close to 1.6 megawatts of green power – enough electricity to supply about 1,600 homes! This means that the GHG emmissions from our landfill are already being used in a positive way that reduces environmental impact. However, it is still in our hands to reduce waste at the source (our own homes!) in order to prevent GHG's in the first place.

Now you know how food and yard waste contribute to climate change but how does composting help to prevent climate change?

How can composting help prevent climate change?