Differences Between Green and Brown Material Recycling
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new, useful materials and objects. This prevents the creation of waste, reduces the use of fresh raw materials, minimizes environmental pollution, and decreases the need for traditional waste disposal. Every year, an average household produces over 200 pounds of kitchen waste, which includes both green and brown materials. Learn more about the differences between green and brown material recycling and how recycling these materials can help you reduce environmental impact.
What Is Green Material for Recycling?
Green materials are not classified based on color but on its nutrients content. Green materials contain higher amounts of nitrogen or protein, and they decompose quickly and at higher temperatures. These materials include:
- Food scraps
- Whole plants
- Chopped fruits and vegetables scraps
- Grass clippings
- Coffee grounds
- Manure
- Recently pulled weeds
What Is Brown Material for Recycling?
Browns materials are materials rich in carbon. When used in composting, brown materials act as a source of food for living organisms in the soil that help break down the contents of your compost pile. Brown materials also help to increase the compost volume and improve aeration through the pile. These materials include:
- Dry leaves
- Paper egg cartons
- Newspapers
- Cardboard
- Straw
- Sawdust
- Paper bags
- Dry yard waste
- Wood ash
Understanding Green and Brown Material Recycling
When we talk of green actions, recycling is the first thing that comes to our minds. Keeping plastics out of landfills by turning them into other products is great. However, there is another kind of recycling that you may not easily think of and that is composting. Composting is the most effective way of recycling green and brown materials. It is the process by which organic matter, such as food leftovers, dry leaves, grass and other yard materials decompose to form a nutrient-rich soil additive, which can help to nourish the soil and improve the growth of new organic material.
Composting is the best way to turn your kitchen waste into fertilizer for your garden. You can compost all forms of kitchen trash, but you will want to skip composting meat, dairy, and fats as they take much longer to decompose and produce bad smell that attract unwanted pests. If you’re looking to compost your meat scraps, it’s important to contract a waste management company to do it on your behalf.
Some of the benefits of composting green and brown materials are:
- Reduces landfill waste
- Reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers
- Saves money
- Nourishes your plants
- Reduces the amount of methane released into the atmosphere
Contact Atlantic Waste Group for Green Material Recycling in Maryland
Recycling requires careful planning, thus, working with a company that understands local waste and landfill regulations is crucial. At Atlantic Waste Group, we can help you improve the environment by recycling yard trimmings, leftovers, and other suitable materials. We offer green material recycling to homeowners, business owners, and customers throughout Maryland.
If you’re ready to recycle your green materials, we are here to help. We have access to the best recycling centers, and we will recycle your materials safely and efficiently. Contact us online or call us at 410-768-4720 to learn more about our green material recycling process.