What Is Industrial Composting and How Does it Work?

What is industrial composting, anyway? Great question—it’s a large-scale process that breaks down organic waste and certified compostable materials in warm, well-managed environments at specialized facilities. While home composting works well for simple scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, many items—like meat, dairy, and certain compostable packaging—need the more consistent conditions that only commercial facilities can provide. 

The TLDR? Industrial composting breaks down tougher-to-compost materials more efficiently than a typical backyard setup.

What Does “Industrially Compostable” Mean?

Industrially compostable materials are designed to break down only in commercial composting facilities, where the environment is kept warm, steady, and closely managed. These facilities provide controlled airflow, moisture, and other conditions that home compost bins don’t offer. Because of this, certain items like compostable plastics, food-soiled paper, and specific compostable packaging are made for industrial composting rather than home composting.

Bonus: Learn about the differences between home composting and industrial composting.

How Does the Industrial Composting Process Work?

When organic waste arrives at a composting facility, it first gets sorted to remove any non-compostable items that may have accidentally made their way into the lot. Many facilities will then shred or mix the waste to create a more even blend for a smoother start to the composting process.

After the initial preparation, the mixture enters a managed composting system. These systems maintain steady airflow, moisture, and warmth—three factors that help microorganisms break down organic matter efficiently. Staff monitor and adjust conditions throughout the process to keep everything running smoothly

What Systems Do Industrial Composting Facilities Use?

Industrial-scale composting facilities rely on specialized systems designed to break down large volumes of organic material quickly and efficiently. Most facilities use one of the following approaches:

1. Windrow Composting

Windrows are long, narrow outdoor piles of organic waste arranged in rows. Heavy equipment regularly turns the piles to introduce oxygen, redistribute heat, and ensure even decomposition. This method is widely used because it’s cost-effective and can handle large amounts of food scraps, yard waste, and compostable packaging. However, it requires significant space and careful management to maintain consistent temperatures and prevent odors.

2. Aerated Static Piles

In this system, compost piles are built over a network of perforated pipes that push or pull air through the material. Because airflow is mechanically controlled, the piles don’t need to be turned. This creates a more stable environment for microorganisms and helps maintain the high temperatures needed for effective breakdown and pathogen reduction. Aerated static piles are ideal for facilities with limited space or stricter odor-control requirements.

3. In-vessel Composting

In-vessel systems enclose the composting process inside tanks, tunnels, drums, or silos. These fully contained environments allow operators to tightly manage temperature, moisture, and aeration, which speeds up decomposition and improves consistency. In-vessel systems can process compostable materials year-round and typically produce finished compost faster than outdoor methods. They also help reduce odors and environmental impacts, making them more suitable for urban or indoor facilities.

What Materials Do Industrial Composting Facilities Accept?

Industrial composting facilities can process a wider range of materials than a typical home compost bin because they maintain warm and carefully managed conditions. These environments allow them to handle items that would attract pests, create odors, or break down too slowly in backyard composting.

Commonly accepted materials include:

• Meat, bones, and fish scraps

• Dairy products

• Food-soiled paper, pizza boxes, and napkins

• Certified compostable packaging and compostable plastics

• Yard and garden waste

Common items that are usually NOT accepted include:

• Conventional plastics

• Metals

• Glass

• Packaging with non-compostable linings or coatings

Keep in mind that composting rules vary by region. Be sure to check local guidelines to confirm what your nearby facility accepts! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I compost industrially compostable packaging at home?

No, you should not put industrial compostable materials in a home compost bin. These items need the high temperatures found only in industrial composting to break down. A home compost bin does not get hot enough for that. 

How long does it take for materials to break down in industrial composting?

At an industrial composting site, materials that otherwise may take 6 to 12 months to break down, can break down in just a few weeks.

Sources

1. EPA. Composting

2. EPA. Approaches to Composting