Decomposition is the process by which organic material is broken down into simpler forms of matter. Also refereed to as Organic Conversion, the breaking down of organic material into simpler forms of matter.

All organic matter decomposes, but at different rates. Biodegradable waste will begin decomposing immediately upon entering a landfill and the process may be complete in a matter of weeks. Plastic bags, on the other hand, can take up to 500 years to breakdown.

The rate and manner of decomposition of biomass is strongly affected by a number of factors. In roughly descending degrees of importance, they are:

• temperature;
• the availability of oxygen;
• burial, and depth of burial;
• humidity, or wetness; and
• the surface on which the biomass rests;

The ultimate result of all natural decomposition is always the same, carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

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