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A
Activator
A material containing bacteria which is used to start the composting process, eg dirt, manure or compost.
Aerobic
A process which occurs in, and needs, oxygen.
Aluminum
A light silvery-grey metal, which is commonly used for packaging.
Anaerobic
A process which occurs without oxygen.
B
Bacteria
Tiny organisms which can turn plant and animal material into energy.
Biobased
A renewable product, made from plant or animal material, that breaks down easily in the environment.
Biodegradable
A substance or material which can be broken down by micro-organisms and other decomposers, such as fungi.
Biomass energy
Energy produced using organic matter.
Biomass fuel
Plant or animal matter which is used to produce electricity, by capturing and burning gases produced when the materials break down.
Bioreactor landfill
A landfill in which the biological reactions that occur when organic matter is broken down are used to produce energy.
Biosolids
The solid waste leaving wastewater treatment systems.
C
Carbon dioxide
A colorless odorless gas which is created naturally by burning fossil fuels, and is a major greenhouse gas.
Carbon monoxide
A colorless, odorless gas which is poisonous to humans. It is formed by the incomplete burning of carbon.
Castings
The dirt-like substance produced by worms breaking down organic matter.
Closing the loop
The process of using products made from recycled material, then recycling these products again when they become waste.
Combustion
The process of burning something.
Compost
A dirt-like material resulting from the breakdown (or decomposition) of organic matter.
Composting
Recycling organic waste into compost, by speeding up the natural decomposition process, to release nutrients and minerals.
Contaminants
Any substances in a material which makes it impure.
Contaminate
To add something to a substance which makes it impure or unclean.
Cullet
Broken or waste glass that is used in the manufacture of new glass.
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