Guide

Composting 101: Turning Trash into Treasure

Composting is basically nature’s recycling system. It’s a way to break down organic waste – things like food scraps and yard waste – into a rich, dark soil amendment you can use to improve your garden. It’s a surprisingly simple process, and it’s a really good thing to do for the environment.

What Can You Compost?

You’d be surprised how much you can throw in! Here’s a breakdown:

• “Greens”: These are nitrogen-rich materials that help fuel the process.
• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Tea bags (remove staples)
• Grass clippings (use sparingly – too much can mat)
• “Browns”: These are carbon-rich materials that provide structure and air.
• Dried leaves
• Shredded newspaper or cardboard (avoid glossy inserts)
• Small twigs and branches
• Sawdust (from untreated wood)

**What Not to Compost:**

• Meat, fish, bones, dairy products – these attract pests and create unpleasant smells.
• Oils and grease – they disrupt the composting process.
• Diseased plants – they can spread illness.
• Pet waste – it can contain harmful pathogens.
• Coal ash – it contains substances that are harmful to plants.

How Does it Work?

Composting relies on a mix of microbes – tiny organisms – that break down the organic matter. These microbes need:

• Moisture: Like a damp sponge.
• Air: To allow the microbes to thrive. Turning your compost pile regularly helps with this.
• The Right Mix: A good balance of “greens” and “browns” is key.

Types of Composting

• Backyard Composting: The most common method, using a bin or pile.
• Vermicomposting: Using worms to break down food scraps – great for smaller spaces.
• Bokashi Composting: An anaerobic (without oxygen) method that ferments food waste.

Why Bother?

• Reduces Landfill Waste: A huge amount of household waste is compostable.

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