Many Austin residents have access to the city composting program, but if you don't, you can compost in your yard or try and convince your apartment complex to compost. Composting as opposed to sending items to the landfill makes a huge difference. Here's how our air is kept cleaner when we compost:

Did you know that 40% of all food in America goes to waste?  Some have bad spots or aren't "perfect" and some sit in our fridges in the back until it rots or goes bad in grocery stores. When food ends up in landfills, it generates methane, an even more harmful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.  Composting is a great way to manage food waste and reduce methane production.

• Compost fruits, veggies, yard clippings, untreated paper, egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags, pizza boxes (torn is best), and meat (bones too but no muscle or hard shell!).
• NO pet waste, disposable diapers, lined paper bags, cups, or waxed paper.
• For home compost, turn and mix regularly. 
• Cut or tear materials to decompose quicker