Ten Tips for Turning Waste Into Compost

What is Compost?

Compost is an aerobic mixture of decomposed matter which is produced by the breakdown of organic matter (yard waste, kitchen waste, paper) to form an organic fertilizer.

Why should I compost at home?

1.) It enriches the soil naturally (a soil conditioner, mulch and fertilizer in one)
2.) Studies have shown compost helps prevent plants from pests and diseases.
3.) It benefits the environment – one-third of all household waste can be composted.
4.) It will reduce your need for chemical fertilizers
5.) It’s Free!

Ten Tips for Turning Waste into Compost:

1. Make your compost pile the right size. If you make your pile too small, you may run out of room to quickly, a pile that is too big will be difficult to manage. A good size to begin with is 3 feet by 3 feet.

2. Keep a small bin under your sink for compostable food scraps. This way you won’t be running out to the compost pile constantly. Though, you will want to routinely empty it every day or two.

3. To ensure your compost decomposes quickly, keep your pile in direct sunlight. It will decompose fastest between 120-160 degrees F. Piles will decompose at cooler temperatures, though it will take longer.

4. Does your compost pile have an unpleasant odor? If so, try turning it with a pitch fork to create air spaces which will limit the anaerobic microbes, and stimulate the aerobic microbe activity. If that doesn’t work, you may have too much in the way of nitrogen rich (green) material, try turning in some carbon rich (brown) material such as dry leaves, pine needles or straw.

5. Too much of one material will off-set the balance (and can create that unwanted odor). Make sure you have a balance of green and brown materials.

6. Don’t let your compost pile become to wet or too dry. If the pile becomes too wet, an unpleasant odor may develop, add some wood chips to help absorb the excess water. If the pile is too dry materials will not break down properly, add some water a little at a time. The appropriate moisture level in a compost pile is that of a wrung-out sponge.

7. Finished compost should smell earthy and look and feel like rich dark soil. The volume of the cured compost will be less than half of what you started with, but will be much more dense.

8. Many composting bins are available commercially, though you do not need to buy one to start a compost pile. You can have a pile directly on the ground with nothing containing it, though you may want to lay some larger sticks or branches on the ground for air circulation. A wooden shipping pallet also makes a great base.

9. When possible break down or shred you materials. This will help to speed up the decomposition process.

10. Don’t have space for a compost pile in your yard? Try composting with worms! This can be done in a self contained bin inside or outside! To learn more about worms turning your waste in to compost check out Worms Eat My Garbage, by Mary Appelhof.