Composting is the process of converting organic material into an environmentally friendly, nutrient rich soil amendment. It is a natural way to recycle food waste and other organic matter such as paper, cardboard, eggshells, grass clippings, leaves, garden trimmings and more. Composting is a healthy alternative to landfills. The process of composting breaks down organic matter by aerating it and adding bacteria and fungi that break down the materials. This process also produces heat that kills harmful pathogens and weeds.
There are many benefits of composting. It reduces the amount of garbage going to landfills, reduces the amount of waste going to incinerators, and helps keep the environment clean. In addition, composting produces nutrients that can be used in gardens, landscaping, and lawn care.
How To Compost
Composting is not difficult. All you need is some good quality kitchen scraps and yard waste, a few buckets or bins, and some time. The first step is to collect your waste. Next, take your collected waste and place it in a bin or bucket. The next step is to add water. Add water until the bin is completely full. The water will keep the pile moist. The last step is to put the lid on the bin and let it sit for a week. After a week, remove the contents from the bin. The finished product should be dark brown and crumbly.
How To Use Compost
The finished compost can be used in gardens, flower beds, vegetable gardens, landscaping, and in other areas where soil is lacking. It can be used as a fertilizer and can be added to the soil around trees and shrubs. It can also be used to enrich existing soil. Compost can be spread on the soil as a mulch or incorporated into the soil. Compost can be used to improve soil structure and moisture retention.
What Is Not Compostable?
There are some materials that cannot be composted. These include:
- Wood
- Paper
- Plastics
- Clothing
- Leather
- Paint
- Tar
- Wax
- Glue
- Starch
- Food
- Meat
- Bone
- Glass
- Cement
- Tin
- Aluminum
- Petroleum products
- Oil
- Ink
- Styrofoam
- Asbestos
- Drugs
- Medications
- Mercury
- Lead
- Chlorine
- Gasoline
- Batteries
- Freon
- Dyes
- Chemicals
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Insecticides
- Detergents
- Bleach
- Preservatives
- Fertilizers
- Synthetic fabrics
- Synthetic fibers
- Synthetic dyes
- Synthetic fragrances
- Synthetic pesticides
- Synthetic fertilizers
- Synthetic hormones
- Synthetic insecticides
- Synthetic detergents
- Synthetic lubricants
- Synthetic oils
- Synthetic rubber
- Synthetic plastics
- Synthetic fibers
What Else Can I Do With My Compost?
You can use the finished compost as a soil amendment. You can also make homemade compost tea. You can also use it to feed plants. You can also use it as a mulch.
