What is aerobic versus anaerobic decomposition?
Biological breakdown of organic material in solid waste occurs in a series of steps, progressing from aerobic activity (requiring oxygen) to anaerobic activity (in the absence of oxygen). Throughout the process of decomposition, organic material is broken down into smaller components, becoming available for different microorganisms to break it down further. When all of the oxygen is depleted, anaerobic microorganisms known as methanogens take over for aerobic microorganisms, converting organic material into methane or natural gas and carbon dioxide.
