Don’t throw biodegradable and compostable items in the trash.

Modern landfills are lined on the bottom with clay and plastic to keep waste from escaping into the soil. In order to reduce odor, landfills are covered daily with a layer of earth.

According to a 2007 Slate article, “The landfill, then, acts like a trash tomb – the garbage within receives little air, water or sunlight. This means that even readily degradable waste objects, including paper and food scraps, are more likely to mummify than decompose.”

Instead of tossing them in the trash, look for local composting outlets that have high-heat facilities that promote aerobic conditions.