1. Compost: Decomposed organic matter that can be used as a natural fertiliser to enrich the soil.

2. Organic waste: Residues of plant and animal matter, such as food scraps and garden waste, which can be composted.

3. Composting: The natural process of decomposing organic matter to produce compost.

4. Biodegradable: A substance capable of breaking down naturally in the environment through the action of micro-organisms.

5. Brown: Dry materials rich in carbon, such as dead leaves, paper and branches, which bring balance to the composting process.

6. Green: Nitrogen-rich materials such as fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds and grass cuttings.

7. Aerobic: A type of composting that requires oxygen to promote the decomposition of organic matter.

8. Anaerobic: Decomposition without oxygen, often associated with unpleasant odours and slower decomposition.

9. Vermicomposting (or vermicomposting): Composting technique using worms to accelerate the decomposition of organic waste. Ideal for small spaces such as flats.

10. Compost activator: Product or substance added to compost to accelerate the decomposition of organic matter, often enriched with micro-organisms or enzymes.

11. Humus: Decomposed and stabilised organic matter resulting from composting, which enriches the soil with nutrients.

12. Bioseau: Small container used in kitchens to collect organic waste before transporting it to the composter.

13. Leachate: Liquid that runs off a compost heap as it decomposes, containing nutrients but sometimes smelling bad.

14. Carbon / Nitrogen (C/N): Key proportion of carbon (brown matter) and nitrogen (green matter) elements to promote good composting. A good ratio is generally 30:1.

15. Layer: Alternating layers of brown and green materials in a composter to maintain a good balance and allow effective aeration.

16. Thermophilic: Bacteria that are active at high temperatures, contributing to rapid decomposition in hot composting systems.

17. Amendment: Product used to improve soil quality, such as compost or other organic matter.

18. Maturation: The final stage in the composting process, when the compost is stabilised and ready for use in the garden.

19. Composter: Container or device used to store organic waste while it decomposes. Available in different sizes and models.

20. Sieving: The act of filtering mature compost to separate large, undecomposed pieces from fine, usable particles.

21. P.A.V. (Points d'Apport Volontaire - Voluntary drop-off points): Specific locations where residents can voluntarily deposit their recyclable or compostable waste.

22. B.A.D. (Bac à Déchets - Waste bin): Container for collecting household waste, including organic waste that can be composted.

23. B.O. (Biodéchets - Biowaste): Organic waste of food or plant origin that is biodegradable and can be composted.

24. DIB (Déchets Industriels Banals - Ordinary industrial waste): Category of non-hazardous waste produced by businesses, some of which may be compostable.

25. CSR (Combustible Solide de Récupération - Solid Recovered Fuel): Solid matter from waste, sometimes non-recyclable bio-waste, used as a source of energy.

26. UIOM (Unité d'Incinération des Ordures Ménagères - Household Waste Incineration Unit): A facility dedicated to the destruction of household waste, some of which can be composted before incineration.

27. CTD (Centre de Traitement des Déchets - Waste Treatment Centre): Facility where waste is sorted, treated or processed, including for composting.

28. TMB (Tri Mécano-Biologique - Mechanical-biological sorting): Waste treatment process combining mechanical sorting and biological treatment, often used to separate bio-waste for composting.

29. ICPE (Installations Classées pour la Protection de l'Environnement - Installations Classified for Environmental Protection): Industrial facilities, such as certain composting centres, which must meet strict environmental protection standards.

30. CET (Centre d’Enfouissement Technique - Technical landfill): A place where certain types of waste that cannot be recycled or composted are landfilled. However, the aim is to divert organic waste from landfill through composting.

31. DTC (Déchets de Table et de Cuisine - Table and kitchen waste): Catering waste is food scraps, fruit and vegetable peelings, eggshells, coffee grounds and other organic waste generated during meal preparation and table cleaning. It is often compostable and can be reused to enrich the soil with nutrients.

32. Pile composting: Simple technique where waste is piled up directly on the ground. Requires outdoor space. Simple technique where waste is piled up directly on the ground. Requires outdoor space.

33. Composting in a bin: Waste is placed in a bin or composter, allowing better control of decomposition.

34. Hot composting: Intensive method at high temperature (55-70°C), for rapid decomposition. Requires a large pile.

35. Cold composting: A slower method (6 to 24 months), where waste is added gradually and decomposes at room temperature.

36. Surface composting: Organic waste spread directly on the ground to enrich the surface soil.

37. Bokashi method: Fermentative composting using anaerobic micro-organisms. The waste ferments in an airtight container.

38. Composting in silos: Vertical silos are used to store organic matter and collect the compost at the bottom.

39. Collective composting: practised in public areas or residences, allowing several households to deposit their bio-waste in shared composters.

40. Industrial composting: Large-scale composting technique, in specific installations, to treat large quantities of organic waste.Large-scale composting technique, in specific installations, to treat large quantities of organic waste.

41. Rotating compost bin: Closed compost bin that can be turned by hand, allowing rapid and uniform mixing of organic matter.

42. Compost aerator: Tool designed to stir and aerate compost, facilitating decomposition by increasing oxygenation.

43. Compost thermometer: Tool for monitoring the internal temperature of compost, essential for hot composting.

44. Compost fork: Tool used to manually turn the compost to improve aeration.

45. Compost sieve: Accessory for sieving mature compost and separating decomposed particles from larger pieces.

46. Bokashi bin: Hermetically sealed container used in the Bokashi method for fermenting organic waste.

47. Vegetable shredder: Machine used to shred branches and leaves before adding them to compost.

48. Composting net: Net used to protect compost from pests while ensuring good aeration.

49. Compost shovel: Small shovel used to transport mature compost and apply it to the soil.

50. Vermicompost bin: Specific device for vermicomposting, consisting of several levels where the worms break down organic waste.

51. Biodegradable compost bag: Bag made of compostable materials used to collect organic waste and add it directly to the compost.