Particle size fractionation as a method for characterizing the nutrient content of municipal green waste used for composting

•Municipal green waste used for composting was characterized by particle size fractionation.•With decreasing particle size there was a decrease in organic C content and C/N ratio.•There was a general increase in nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe) and ash content.•During incubation, net N mineralization occurred only in the small particle (<2mm dia.) fractions.•Particle size fractionation provides important additional information over analysis of a bulk sample.