According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 24% of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream. As yard wastes decompose in landfills, they generate methane gas and acidic leachate. Composting can enrich soils, prevent pollutants in storm water runoff and reduce the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides. Recycle cans, plastics, paper, and other recyclables collected in your neighborhood. Also be sure to properly recycle electronic waste (e-waste), which contains hazardous chemicals including lead, chromium, cadmium, and mercury. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Americans threw away more than 100 million cell phones in 2006.

Learn how to create your own compost pile at:
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/composting/by_compost.htm