Recycling your waste into organic soil may seem a daunting task if you are just starting out, but it is a natural process that has been occurring in our environment since time began. Whether you live in an urban setting or on some acreage, we can each lessen the impact on our landfills by establishing our own composting center to handle our kitchen waste and grass clippings. By utilizing the natural organisms that breakdown the organic matter, and controlling the temperature, moisture and aeration, we can magically turn our waste into organic soil for our flower pots, gardens or lawn.
The first element to consider is the size and placement of your compost pile. Smaller urban or apartment settings can use a kitchen compost pail to produce soil that can be used in planters or flower pots. Larger yards can either use a compost pile, build their own compost bin, buy a compost bin or compost tumbler made from recycled plastic. Each bin or tumbler is designed to provide the necessary heat, moisture retention and aeration needed to accelerate the process.
If you opt for a compost pile, it should not be taller or wider than three feet because the compost needs to be "turned" periodically with a pitchfork or and aerator to provide oxygen to the compost organisms and a large pile makes that task more difficult. If the pile is too small, the temperature may not get hot enough for the waste material to decompose properly. The temperature of your compost bin should be between 140 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. A compost thermometer can help you check the to make sure your compost is "cooking" at the ideal temperature. Moisture is the next critical factor and is harder to maintain in a pile versus the bin or the tumbler.
Compost bins have slots in the sides for ventilation, but will still require periodic turning with an aeration post or pitchfork.The compost bins also use the sun to heat the plastic and "cooks" the compost faster. The compost bins are also better at maintaining the moisture and are more attractive than a pile.
Compost tumblers are probably the better choice of the composting bins. The tumbler maintains the proper temperature, moisture and aeration as the compost bins, and the rotating tumbler makes the "turning" task even easier by rotating the tumbler to mix the compost.
Once your have decided on what type of compost center you wish to create and are ready to start composting, all you need are the waste products and to start the composting process. Compost accelerators or starter packs contain the necessary organic microbes to fast start the natural decomposing process.Horse, cow or chicken manure can also be added to start the composting process. Earthworms and worm bins are also an alternative for your composting needs, especially if you enjoy organic gardening or like to go fishing.
Now all you have to do is add your organic kitchen wastes and yard clippings and let nature do the rest.You can add eggshells, banana peels, coffee grinds, vegetable peelings and anything organic. There are certain products that should not be added to your compost bin such as meat and dairy products because they can attract rodents. Treated wood shavings and ashes can slow down the composting process and should not be added to the pile. Also, do not pet feces to the pile. Pets can carry parasites that can contaminate the soil, so a separate pet composter should be used to handle this waste. Plastic coated paper plates, Styrofoam, plastic and glass should never be added to your compost either. Use separate recycle bins to collect your plastic, glass and aluminum cans.
Composting is simple to set up and can reduce the waste sent to our overburdened landfills. Do your part and start your own compost center today.
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