Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich material that benefits the soil. But not all composting is the same! If you're new to the world of composting, you might be wondering about the differences between home composting and industrial composting. Let’s break down both methods to help you understand how they work, what materials they can handle, and how to get started with the one that suits your lifestyle.

What Is Home Composting?

Home composting is when individuals or households collect organic waste like food scraps, grass clippings, and yard waste, and allow it to decompose naturally in their own backyard or a small composting system.

How It Works:
Home composting typically involves creating a compost pile or using a compost bin where waste is regularly turned and monitored. By maintaining the right balance of "greens" (like food scraps) and "browns" (like dry leaves), and keeping the compost aerated and moist, organic material breaks down over time.

What Is Industrial Composting?

Industrial composting takes place in large-scale facilities designed to process a wider range of organic materials, including food waste, yard waste, and even compostable plastics.

How It Works:
Industrial composting facilities are equipped to handle large volumes of waste and maintain optimal conditions for rapid decomposition. These facilities operate at higher temperatures than home composting, allowing them to break down more complex materials like meat, bones, and compostable products, which require higher heat and time to degrade.

Can You Compost Plastics at Home?

One common misconception is that all "compostable" plastics can be thrown into a home compost bin. The reality is that many of these plastics require the high temperatures and controlled conditions of an industrial composting facility to break down properly.

Important Note: You should never attempt to compost plastics at home unless they are certified for home composting. Look for certifications like "OK Compost HOME" or "TÜV AUSTRIA" to ensure the material will break down in a home system. Most compostable bags, utensils, and other items are designed for industrial facilities, not backyard compost piles.

At The Coffee Barn, our compostable bags are engineered for industrial composting because they break down faster and more efficiently in those conditions. While we strive to create zero-waste products, it’s important to ensure that these materials end up in the right composting system to fully degrade.

Key Differences: Home vs. Industrial Composting

Feature	Home Composting	Industrial Composting
Materials Processed	Yard waste, fruit/vegetable scraps, paper	Meat, bones, compostable plastics, yard/food waste
Speed of Decomposition	Several months, slower	Faster, takes weeks due to optimal conditions
Temperature	Lower (ambient temperature)	Higher (up to 150°F) for rapid breakdown
Space Required	Backyard or small bin	Large-scale facility, centralized location
Convenience	On-site, but requires regular maintenance	Requires pickup or drop-off services
Environmental Impact	Limited to individual households	Large-scale waste diversion, bigger impact

 

Whether you’re composting at home or sending your waste to an industrial facility, composting is one of the best ways to reduce waste. Both methods have their advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your space, needs, and what’s available in your community.

At The Coffee Barn, we’re committed to sustainability, and that’s why our compostable bags made from used coffee grounds are designed to break down effectively in industrial composting facilities and in the landfill. Whether you’re tackling food waste at home or partnering with larger-scale efforts, every bit of composting helps build a greener, cleaner future.