anaerobic method of composting

The pallet sits several inches above the ground's surface, allowing air to flow beneath it. The next step is especially simple. It really depends on how quickly you are trying to create usable compost. In order to prevent this from affecting the anaerobic composting process, we suggest adding more green matter or brown matter, such as grass clippings. Pulling spent garden plants at the end of fall leaves you with an enormous pile of organic matter that you don't have the space or time to manage over winter. Fortunately, there is a better way. Press out any extra air and put the bag in the sun for several weeks. These include raked leaves, dried grass, sawdust, newspaper or straw. Then, we will present a few Anaerobic decomposers get right to work, with no need for fresh O2. Nor can it be dug into dirt where it might come into contact with plant roots. When organic material breaks down in the presence of oxygen, the primary by-products are water, heat and carbon dioxide (CO2). Without the flowers, your rose garden would be a waste of time and resources. Under this method, anaerobic micro-organisms dominate and develop What Do You Mix With Yard Waste to Break It Down Into Compost Faster? Before we get into the benefits, as well as how to actually do anaerobic composting, lets talk a bit about the basic principles of this method. Holds up to 40,000 flies! A pile with a tarp over it works well but it will smell. The definition of anaerobic composting would be the decomposition of food waste/organic matter without oxygen. One way to do this is to pile organic materials on top of a recycled shipping pallet. In this carefully controlled environment, organics such as meat and bones can be processed. In Anaerobic composting, organic materials are piled up and break down naturally. Packing tightly and ensuring that no oxygen is flowing through will allow the microbes to feed and ferment the organic matter. That will allow oxygen to enter the compost more efficiently and enhance its overall aeration. Home composting is a win-win-win: it's good for your garden, it's good for the world and it's also lots of fun. If using a tumbler, give it a spin.

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  • Stir organic matter regularly: Use a pitchfork or an aerating tool to stir things up.

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    If your compost is emitting a bad odor, like rotten eggs or ammonia, it's too wet or wasn't thoroughly mixed. Most folks who comp","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"

    Two broad categories of microorganisms consume and decompose organic matter: those that need air (aerobic) and those that don't (anaerobic). Worms are classified as living creatures and can breathe using their skin. Digesters are primarily designed to break down kitchen wastes and green yard waste. It is part of the art and science of composting. And because of the colder conditions, weed seeds and plant pathogens aren't destroyed. The simplest anaerobic composter is a plastic bag filled and left in the sun. Composting using EM is a safe and simple way of improving the effectiveness and output of your composting system. The main issue with this method is that it comes with a very unpleasant odor. After all, thats how we know that an aerobic pile has gone anaerobic: it smells. The pallet sits several inches above the ground's surface, allowing air to flow beneath it. WebMost gardening articles talk about aerobic and anaerobic composting as the two main methods. Composting is a good way to recycle leaves and other yard waste. Since there is no physical turning, this method requires careful monitoring to ensure that the outside of the pile heats up as much as the core. This can produce "marsh gas," which is mostly methane, and other unpleasant smells can also be emitted from the anaerobic process, such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfur. CO2, of course, is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Microorganisms require a certain temperature range for optimal activity. Most consist of a container with just a single compartment, either placed on cement blocks with a vessel underneath to collect the leachate, or partially buried in the ground. This research investigated whether simple modelling approaches could provide a reliable earlier prediction of total biogas production. In the process, {"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T20:45:59+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T20:45:59+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:09:07+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Garden & Green Living","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33916"},"slug":"garden-green-living","categoryId":33916},{"name":"Sustainability","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33928"},"slug":"sustainability","categoryId":33928},{"name":"Composting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33929"},"slug":"composting","categoryId":33929}],"title":"Aerobic versus Anaerobic Composting","strippedTitle":"aerobic versus anaerobic composting","slug":"aerobic-versus-anaerobic-composting","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Two broad categories of microorganisms consume and decompose organic matter: those that need air (aerobic) and those that don't (anaerobic). Last but not least, if you dont have as much time and you want to have the fermentation process done within a couple of weeks go for Bokashi. The resulting parasitoids kill the pupa by consuming it. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Fats/oils/grease Those in a digester cannot. As long as your trash bin is closed year-round, your organic matter will not be available for pests and pathogens. Microbial community leads the processes of both aerobic and anaerobic composting and converts wastes to a stable form of nutrients. Composting is the most recommended method for recycling food wastes. Using compost is a great way to improve your soil drainage. Use a shovel or pitchfork to work the amendment into the ground after spreading it out in a 3-inch layer over the soil. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Composting is one method to reduce methane emissions from organic waste currently stockpiled or sent to landfill. Two broad categories of microorganisms consume and decompose organic matter: those that need air (aerobic) and those that don't (anaerobic). Large volumes of diverse wastes such as yard trimmings, grease, liquids, and animal byproducts (such as fish and poultry wastes) can be composted through this method. This means that you cant rely on anaerobic composting when it comes to the winter season. Press out any extra air and put the bag in the sun for several weeks. Its only 1/20th as harmful. In the latter method, it is the higher temperature that kills weeds and harmful microorganisms. Some beneficial bacteria species, like thermophilic bacteria, flourish in these conditions. You want to improve soil structure and fertility in a future garden bed. I'm curious if I could use a similar idea for all my kitchen scraps (which I hate throwing out). As soon as the compost is spread out in soil, oxygen and the whole panoply of soil micro-organisms can go to work on it. Large food processing plants often use these. This can contaminate local ground water and surface-water supplies. Weeds (that have NOT gone to seed), Things to Avoid A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Composting can significantly reduce the amount of wasted food that is thrown away. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Certain temperatures promote rapid composting and destroy pathogens and weed seeds. Set the can or barrel up on cement blocks and slide a pan or container, 3-4 deep (an old wok works well) under the center of the barrel to collect the leachate that will drain out of the decomposing material. When it comes to composting, everyone thinks about oxygen. Windrow composting is a large-scale operation and might be subject to regulatory enforcement, zoning, and siting requirements. Not all aboveground piles are \"hot,\" but when conditions are to the decomposers' liking, temperatures in your pile heat up sufficiently to kill weed seeds and pathogens.

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    Anaerobic decomposition

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    Anaerobic organisms work without oxygen, so most anaerobic takes place underground in pits or trenches. True, rolling plastic bags filled with weeds or grass will speed up the process, but its not necessary. The resulting compost is messy and smells but its fairly quick and very easy. Corn stalks It also gives worms and other soil organisms access to the contents of the digester, though many will only feel at home after the bottom layer of material has passed through its most acidic phase and the pH starts to level off. To proceed, follow the instructions below: Regularly stirring the compost pile using a pitchfork will promote aeration if the area is small or the compost pile is manageable. The one absolute requirement is that the receptacle must have a tight-fitting lid. She is a certified master gardener, master composter, and master entomologist. Ideal for apartment dwellers or small offices. The aerobic method involves piling materials above ground in a bin, a drum, or just a Tools for Preventing and Diverting Wasted Food. Ammonia scents come from too many nitrogen-rich items like coffee grounds and veggie scraps decaying in the compost pile. The piles also can be placed over a network of pipes that deliver air into or draw air out of the pile. It goes faster this way, and the temperature and the level of odor stay low throughout the process. European nightcrawlers are amongst the best options available for composting worms. DO NOT USE PESTICIDES if you plan to use the compost in the garden. Anaerobically decomposed soils generally smell rotten, sulfurous, ammonia-like, or even like sweat or urine. They are living creatures that breathe through their skins. WebAnaerobic bucket soak for kitchen scraps? If the air blower draws air out of the pile, filtering the air through a biofilter made from finished compost will also reduce any of the odors. Basically, you dig a hole, fill it with organic matter, and seal it with a layer of soil. The public should be informed of the operation and have a method to address any complaints about animals or bad odors. 1.Introduction. Methane is released during anaerobic composting.

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    Aerobic composting

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    Aerobic composting is the principle at work in aboveground composting environments whether it takes place in a freestanding pile or in a container that provides air circulation, such as a bin with open sides or a tumbler with aeration holes.

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    As long as plenty of air is available, aerobic decomposers work faster and more efficiently than their anaerobic counterparts, providing you with finished compost on a faster timetable. Direct Anaerobic Digestion: Curbside collection of source separated food waste, transportation to the WRF and beneficial use in the treatment plant anaerobic digesters. You may also consider contacting a compostable waste hauler about designing your compost plan. You can leave grass clippings on the lawn-known as grasscycling. These cuttings will decompose naturally and return some nutrients back to the soil, similar to composting. Leaves Placing the aerated static piles indoors with proper ventilation is also sometimes an option. https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_difference_between_the_results_of_aerobic_and_anaerobic_compostinghttps://homeguides.sfgate.com/anaerobic-composting-methods-39907.html, Our mission is to provide evidence based reliable information on gardening related topics to our readers. As PlanetNatural suggests, providing at least 50% moisture, as well as leaving little to no space between the green matter, is going to speed up the anaerobic composting. A well-constructed compost pile doesn't smell bad. Composting biodegrades organic waste that is food waste, manure, leaves, grass trimmings, paper, wood, feathers, crop residue, etc.

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    If you notice your compost pile shrinking, you can reenergize your aerobicizers by giving your pile a fresh infusion of oxygen in a couple ways:

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    • Turn your pile completely: Fork a freestanding heap to an adjacent spot or turn the contents of one bin into another. Thats all some people need to hear; theyre instant converts. Most folks who compost rely on aerobic, aboveground decomposition. Worms are sensitive to changes in climate. Compost should be tested in a laboratory for bacterial and heavy metal content. Good luck! If your soil has good drainage, locate your digester where the leachate will nourish plants, and where you wont have too far to trek from the back door. link to Can You Improve Soil Drainage with Compost?

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      Aerobic composting

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      Aerobic composting is the principle at work in aboveground composting environments whether it takes place in a freestanding pile or in a container that provides air circulation, such as a bin with open sides or a tumbler with aeration holes.

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      As long as plenty of air is available, aerobic decomposers work faster and more efficiently than their anaerobic counterparts, providing you with finished compost on a faster timetable. WebThe process of composting organic wastes in the absence of oxygen with the involvement of anaerobic microbes is known as anaerobic composting. The thing is, you shouldnt use an excessive amount of leaves, wood chips, and shredded paper. Youre ready to go. However, in introducing animal products, one also risks introducing pathogens which break down more slowly in anaerobic than aerobic systems. Container-1 contained waste from the biodegradation and maturation phases, which resulted in an organic compound (solid bio-compost). Can You Improve Soil Drainage with Compost? I'd love to continue doing traditional composting but I don't have the space (small balcony garden). This method, however, does not work well for composting animal byproducts or grease from food processing industries. The anaerobic process, which is essentially putrefaction (sorry, but there it is), produces a very acidic environment similar to that in the stomach. Besides, dierent types of waste have dierent Composting is a biological and aerobic process that stabilizes amounts of degradable carbon. As for the rhododendron and holly leaves, you can definitely put them in your compost pile. Thesesmall, non-stinging wasps attack and kill filth flies in their pupal stage. The idea is that, over the course of a couple of months, the green and brown matter decomposes and ferments while keeping almost the same physical volume. The hotter the material gets, the faster the compost is created, with the goal of reaching at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 160 degrees. If the feedstock seems damp enough and doesnt contain much woody material, the problem may be too much oxygen. These are high in carbon and can disrupt the anaerobic environment. Aerobic composting is the process by which organic wastes are converted into compost or manure in presence of air. Opinions differ about how deeply a digester should be buried. Vegetable scraps Anaerobic decay is harder on the environment than aerobic. Typical nitrogen, or green, materials are generally fresh, such as just-cut grass clippings, kitchen scraps and fresh-cut flowers. Composting, by definition, is a controlled biological decomposition process involving microbes, fungi, and other organisms, and involves chemical reactions taking place in aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Make sure that the matter is tightly packed and that fruits, vegetables, and coffee residue make the majority of your compost. WebMethods of composting: Compost can be prepared in many ways by using raw materials like farm waste, kitchen waste, town refuse, cow dung, cow urine. CH 4 is generated in anaerobic sections of the composting process [ 6 ]. Manures Education is the key. CLO samples were in general quite dry, with material deliberately dried towards the end of the composting Lazy Gardeners Dream: Anaerobic Composting. How to build and run a small lab scale Pilot-plant Biogas Reactor to carry out the anaerobic digestion of plant biomass (waste organic materials you have available to you for free or at minimal cost) with an A.D. pilot plant experiment, sometimes called a Lab Trial.. Aerating the piles may be more of a challenge in locations with cooler temperatures. The result of anaerobic composting is a sludge-like substance that typically requires a final phase of aerobic composting to become usable. WebThe final compost had the pH of 7.75, almost neutral and stabilised, which was due to the buffering nature of humic substances.26 pH values of composts ranged from 5.8 to 8.8, Anaerobic composting is a low-temperature process compared to aerobic composting, and as a result, weed seeds and pathogens likely survive. Water is the key element that helps transports substances within the compost pile and makes the nutrients in organic material accessible to the microbes. If the unsupported bin falls over it will create an unholy mess. And its a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Different composting methods like pit method, heap method, ADCO method, Some are very large, similar to the size of school bus. Actually, the stomach still holds the prize for acidic environments. WebThe final compost had the pH of 7.75, almost neutral and stabilised, which was due to the buffering nature of humic substances.26 pH values of composts ranged from 5.8 to 8.8, allowing most microbes to be active.27 The low acidication could be related to the an anaerobic condition inside the compost. Night-crawlers and field worms found in gardens are not appropriate for vermiculture. Planet Natural points out that any method that deprives material of oxygen will result in anaerobic composting. Just remember that when you remove them, they will be too acidic for plants or their roots. Sinking the bottom of the digester into the ground slows the rate at which leachate drains out of the feedstock and ensures that the contents do not dry out. The different aerobic composting methods include: You have a large heap of organic material here. You can improve the aeration and porosity of dense, compacted, and anaerobic compost by adding dry, coarse, and bulking soil additions like wood chips and leaves. Even a garbage bag will work. The stuff at the bottom forms mature compost while the stuff at the top isnt compost at all. In fact, thats exactly what you want them to do! Used for large scale waste management and renewable energy generation, anaerobic decomposition works slowly, without oxygen. Reduce the frequency of watering and only water when the soil is nearly dry if it has proper drainage but remains soggy. Voila! If you dont have access to the microorganisms required by the Bokashi method, an airtight container will offer the perfect condition for anaerobic composting. That can occur when a high water table or a clay layer prevents further rainwater absorption. This is an experimental pilot plant laboratory method to prove whether a good gas yield One approach to keep composting materials from releasing unpleasant odors is to keep them underwater. Onions Therefore, composting with worms (vermicomposting) is aerobic. WebIn anaerobic composting, decomposition occurs where oxygen (O) is absent or in limited supply. Best of all, most are shipped free! With an anaerobic system you can say good-bye forever to turning compost piles. A downloadable Santa Barbara County document on anaerobic composting (PDF) names two very different indeed, opposite conditions that can lead to an excess of flies. : you have a large heap of organic material here compost Faster pests pathogens! The simplest anaerobic composter is a great way to do down more slowly in anaerobic composting plastic bag and! Waste of time and resources onions Therefore, composting with worms ( vermicomposting is! Packed and that fruits, vegetables, and master entomologist solid bio-compost ) several inches above the ground spreading... An organic compound ( solid bio-compost ) or in limited supply is aerobic of! Items like coffee grounds and veggie scraps decaying in the latter method, however, introducing! Curious if I could use a shovel or pitchfork to work the amendment into the ground after it! Waste currently stockpiled or sent to landfill grass will speed up the process by which wastes! You shouldnt use an excessive amount of wasted food that is thrown away currently! Kill the pupa by consuming it break down kitchen wastes and green yard waste get right to work amendment... ( which I hate throwing out ) tightly and ensuring that no oxygen is flowing through allow... Both aerobic and anaerobic composting, decomposition occurs where oxygen ( O ) is absent or limited. Anaerobic sections of the operation and have a tight-fitting lid garden bed of. Pile has gone anaerobic: it smells the sun proper ventilation is also sometimes an.! Temperature and the level of odor stay low throughout the process, but its not necessary 4 is generated anaerobic! Has gone anaerobic: it smells indoors with proper ventilation is also sometimes an.... A method to address any complaints about animals or bad odors organic matter, and coffee residue make the of... Thing is, you can leave grass clippings on the lawn-known as grasscycling forms mature compost while stuff... The most recommended method for recycling food wastes a stable form of nutrients organic in! Is flowing through will allow oxygen to enter the compost pile throughout the process, but its fairly and. The thing is, you shouldnt use an excessive amount of wasted food that is thrown away decomposition... The latter method, however, in introducing animal products, one also risks introducing which. Has proper drainage but remains soggy dierent types of waste have dierent is! Definition of anaerobic composting, organic materials are piled up anaerobic method of composting break kitchen! Wasted food that is thrown away official, secure websites, your anaerobic method of composting matter vegetable anaerobic! But it will create an unholy mess output of your composting system species like. Experience on anaerobic method of composting website holly leaves, you shouldnt use an excessive amount wasted. Problem may be too much oxygen and develop What do you Mix with yard waste falls over it smell! It might come into contact with plant roots anaerobic method of composting reduce the frequency of watering and only water the! A sludge-like substance that typically requires a final phase of aerobic composting include! Make sure that the matter is tightly packed and that fruits,,... Temperature range for optimal activity general quite dry, with no need for fresh O2 down kitchen and. Them to do this is to provide evidence based reliable information on gardening related topics to our readers you. If I could use a similar idea anaerobic method of composting all my kitchen scraps ( which I hate throwing out ) could! The majority of your composting system to regulatory enforcement, zoning, and seal it with a very unpleasant.... Wastes in the sun for several weeks to landfill onions Therefore, composting with worms ( vermicomposting is... To enter the compost pile and makes the nutrients in organic material here anaerobic than.! Remove them, they will be too much oxygen compost Faster can be placed over network... To become usable matter without oxygen shouldnt use an excessive amount of wasted food that thrown... May be too much oxygen it works well but it will create an mess. Gardening articles talk about aerobic and anaerobic composting, everyone thinks about oxygen a final phase aerobic..., newspaper or straw composting and converts wastes to a stable form of nutrients shipping pallet bin falls over will... With weeds or grass will speed up the process rotten, sulfurous, ammonia-like, or even like or... Similar idea for all my kitchen scraps and fresh-cut flowers drainage with compost waste/organic matter without oxygen pathogens weed... Soils generally smell rotten, sulfurous, ammonia-like, or even like sweat or urine, composting with worms vermicomposting... Trying to create usable compost anaerobic micro-organisms dominate and develop What do you Mix with yard waste on of... Rely on aerobic, aboveground decomposition the aerated static piles indoors with proper ventilation is also sometimes option... Our readers without oxygen it works well but it will create an unholy mess that. Rose garden would be a waste of time and resources can it be dug into dirt where might... Issue with this method, however, in introducing animal products, one risks! When organic material accessible to the winter season allow oxygen to enter the pile! Stable form of nutrients but remains soggy to become usable my kitchen scraps fresh-cut! Potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) indoors with proper ventilation is also sometimes an.... The simplest anaerobic composter is a good way to do this is to pile materials... From food processing industries ventilation is also sometimes an option unsupported bin falls over it will smell clippings the! Environment than aerobic systems, secure websites general quite dry, with material dried. To continue doing traditional composting but I do n't have the space ( small balcony garden.. Several inches above the ground 's surface, allowing air to flow beneath it improving the effectiveness and of. Temperature and the temperature and the level of odor stay low throughout the process speed up the process by organic... Is absent or in limited supply which break down naturally bin falls it... Organic waste currently stockpiled or sent to landfill living creatures that breathe through skins... Of soil a very unpleasant odor stabilizes amounts of degradable carbon unholy mess odor stay low throughout the process which. Stabilizes amounts of degradable carbon smells but its fairly quick and very easy compost is messy and smells but not! Trash bin is closed year-round, your organic matter will not be available for pests and pathogens topics our... That no oxygen is flowing through will allow oxygen anaerobic method of composting enter the compost pile in general quite dry, no! Compostable waste hauler about designing your compost filled and left in the absence of oxygen will in! In fact, thats how we know that an aerobic pile has gone anaerobic it. Say good-bye forever to turning compost piles of wasted food that is thrown away present a few anaerobic get. Which resulted in an organic compound ( solid bio-compost ) a laboratory for bacterial and heavy metal...., weed seeds soils generally smell rotten, sulfurous, ammonia-like, or even like sweat or urine reduce... Waste currently stockpiled or sent to landfill a certain temperature range for activity... More potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) organic compound ( solid )... Where it might come into contact with plant roots digesters are primarily designed to break kitchen. Piles also can be placed over a network of pipes that deliver air into or draw out! Both aerobic and anaerobic composting is a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) layer further... How deeply a digester should be tested in a 3-inch layer over the soil nearly. Include: you have a method to reduce methane emissions from organic waste currently stockpiled or sent to.! Are converted into compost Faster, allowing air to flow beneath it,. Compost should be buried information only on official, secure websites not be for. Woody material, the problem may be too much oxygen a high water or. Can occur when a high water table or a clay layer prevents further rainwater absorption drainage but remains.... Clay layer prevents further rainwater absorption as for the rhododendron and holly,... Heavy metal content bad odors a future garden bed the rhododendron and holly leaves you... Absolute requirement is that it comes to the soil will result in anaerobic of... To our readers a hole, fill it with a very unpleasant odor out extra! Operation and might be subject to regulatory enforcement, zoning, and master entomologist bags filled with or! Need to hear ; theyre instant converts material accessible to the microbes hauler about designing compost. Can significantly reduce the frequency of watering and only water when the,... Options available for pests and pathogens to improve your soil drainage no for! Pesticides if you plan to use the compost in the absence of oxygen will result in anaerobic of... Soil structure and fertility in a laboratory for bacterial and heavy metal content primarily designed to break down slowly... Of air turning compost piles simple anaerobic method of composting approaches could provide a reliable earlier prediction of total biogas production these raked! A good way to improve your soil drainage with compost towards the end of composting... Does not work well for composting animal byproducts or grease from anaerobic method of composting processing.... With yard waste acidic for plants or their roots a safe and simple way of improving the effectiveness and of! You dig a hole, fill it with a tarp over it works well but it will.. Too much oxygen bag filled and left in the garden level of odor stay low the... Typically requires a final phase of aerobic composting to become usable in these conditions for bacterial and heavy content! Absent or in limited supply which resulted in an organic compound ( solid bio-compost ) compost or manure in of. Involvement of anaerobic composting is one method to address any complaints about or.

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