What Does Composting Really Mean for Business? Composting is the managed, oxygen-based decomposition of organic materials—such as food scraps, coffee grounds, garden waste and untreated paper—into a stable, nutrient-rich soil amendment. In simple terms, it turns “waste” back into a usable resource. Unlike landfill disposal, where organic waste breaks down without oxygen and releases methane, composting keeps valuable nutrients in circulation and supports healthier soils. Why