Composting at Home vs.Composting
in a Facility: What’s the Difference?

Composting is a powerful way to reduce waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create
nutrient-rich soil. But not all composting is created equal. While some products are designed for
industrial composting facilities, others can break down in your own backyard. So, how do home
composting and facility composting differ, and which option is best for you? Let’s explore the
differences and why home-compostable products like those from Dirtbag Goods make composting
easier and more accessible.

What Is Home Composting?

Home composting takes place right in your backyard, balcony, or even inside your home. It’s a hands-on process where you balance “greens” (food scraps) and “browns” (dry materials like leaves or shredded paper) to create rich compost for your plants.

Pros of Home Composting:

• Cost-Effective: After setting up your bin, it’s virtually free.
• Accessible: You control the process, no facilities required.
• Immediate Results: Compost can form in as little as 2–6 months.

Challenges of Home Composting:

• Space Needs: A backyard or outdoor space is ideal for most setups.
• Time Commitment: Requires regular turning and moisture management.
• Pest Control: Without proper maintenance, rats or mice may be attracted to scraps.

pro tip!

To avoid pests, consider options like
indoor compost bins with charcoal
filters or compost tumblers.

best for...

People with outdoor space, gardeners, or those looking to manage food scraps and yard waste directly.

What Is Facility Composting?

Facility composting happens at industrial sites designed to process large-scale organic waste. These facilities use high heat and specialized equipment to break down materials that are difficult or impossible to compost at home, like certified industrial-only compostable plastics.

Pros of Home Composting:

• Efficient Processing: Handles large waste volumes quickly.
• Specialized Materials: Can break down items like compostable packaging and food service products.
• Convenient: Drop-off or pick-up programs mean no maintenance for you.

Challenges of Facility Composting:

• Limited Access: Fewer than 185 industrial facilities nationwide can process food scraps and compostable products.
• Transportation: Requires effort to drop off waste or schedule services.
• Energy Use: Facility operations may offset some environmental benefits.

best for...

People in urban areas with access to composting programs or those using products certified for industrial composting.

How to Decide Between Home and Facility Composting

1. What Are You Composting?

• Home composting works well for food scraps, yard waste, and home-compostable
  products like Dirtbag Goods straws.
• Facility composting is better for certified industrial-only compostable plastics and larger waste volumes.

2. What Space Do You Have?

• Backyard? Home composting is an easy choice.
• Apartment living? Look into local composting programs for facility drop-off options.

3. Your Time & Commitment

• If you’re willing to manage a bin and turn your compost regularly, home composting is
  rewarding.
• Facility composting is perfect for busy people who prefer a low-maintenance solution.

Why Dirtbag Goods Supports Home Composting

At Dirtbag Goods, we’re bridging the gap between sustainability and accessibility. Our products are
certified home-compostable, meaning they break down naturally in your backyard in just 90 days—
no need for industrial facilities.

At Dirtbag Goods, we’re bridging the gap between sustainability and accessibility. Our products are
certified home-compostable, meaning they break down naturally in your backyard in just 90 days—
no need for industrial facilities.

Key Differences Between Home and Facility Composting

At Dirtbag Goods, we believe in cutting through the noise. That’s why our products are
designed to be:

• Home-Compostable: Breaks down in your backyard compost in 90 days or less.
• Affordable & Practical: Sustainability shouldn’t come at a premium or inconvenience.
• Certified & Transparent: Backed by TÜV OK Compost Home, so you know exactly what
  you’re getting.

By choosing truly home-compostable products, you’re reducing waste, avoiding greenwashing traps, and making a real difference for the planet.

Both home and facility composting have their benefits and challenges. For those with space and time, home composting is an accessible, cost-effective solution. For harder-to-compost items or larger waste volumes, facility composting can play a key role—if you have access.

At Dirtbag Goods, we make sustainability simple by offering home-compostable products that work anywhere, empowering you to reduce waste and make a real difference.

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