Trash … it’s everywhere and every day there’s more! Where does it all go? The trash that is not recycled goes to large landfills where it is buried. With so many people throwing things away, those landfills are getting full quickly. Here’s an experiment you can do at home to show your family why it is so important to recycle and compost.

What you will need...
two clear plastic boxes
one apple
one slice of bread
two small aluminum cans
two small plastic bottles
two small plastic sandwich bags
potting soil (do not use sterile
potting soil that contains no microorganisms)


Step 1: Label your boxes “A” and “B.”

Step 2: Put a layer of potting soil on the bottom of each plastic box.

Step 3: Cut the apple in small slices.

Step 4: Place half of the apple slices in Box A close to the edge so they are visible from the outside of the box.

Step 5: Place the rest of the apple slices in the plastic bag and then put the plastic bag in Box B close to the edge so they are visible from the outside of the box.

Step 6: Cut the slice of bread in half. Place half of it on Box A close to the side and put the other half in a plastic bag and then place it in Box B close to the side.

Step 7: Put one can and one bottle in each of the boxes close to the edge so they are visible from the outside of the boxes.

Step 8: Cover the materials in boxes with potting soil and add a small amount of water to dampen the soil. Place the boxes outside, but under cover so they are out of the rain.

Step 9: Observe daily and write down your observations daily.

After two weeks, answer these questions:

What materials decomposed? What materials did not?
Which apple slices decomposed faster, those in Box A or Box B?
Which bread slice decomposed faster, the one in Box A or Box B?
Why do you think the apples in box B decomposed more slowly?
Explain to your parent or another family member why recycling cans and bottles is better than sending them to the landfill. Ask your parent to email info@ycsw.org or call 503.434.7445 for a FREE Home Composting Guide so you can reduce the amount of waste your family sends to the landfill.

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