Which process aids in reducing the amount of organic waste in landfills?

Composting is the process that aids in reducing the amount of organic waste in landfills. It involves the natural decomposition of organic materials such as food scraps, yard debris, and other biodegradable materials. By creating compost, these materials are transformed into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used in gardens and landscaping, thus diverting them from landfills.

This method not only minimizes the volume of organic waste that contributes to landfill overuse but also enhances soil health and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Through composting, organic waste is effectively repurposed rather than left to decompose in a landfill, where it would contribute to methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas—compared to the aerobic conditions that occur in a composting environment.

In contrast, recycling focuses primarily on the recovery of materials such as paper, glass, and plastics, rather than organic waste. Landfilling is the disposal method that adds to waste accumulation, while incineration involves burning waste to reduce its volume, which doesn't address organic waste in the same beneficial way that composting does.