Composting

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What is Composting? 

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic materials like food scraps and yard waste into a rich soil amendment called “compost.” It helps reduce trash in landfills and supports healthier soil and plants.

Why should you Compost?

  • Reduces Waste
    Up to 30% of household garbage is food scraps and yard waste. Composting keeps these materials out of landfills.
  • Improves Soil Health
    Finished compost enriches soil, helps it retain water, and adds valuable nutrients.
  • Supports Sustainability
    Composting contributes to greener, cleaner communities and more resilient ecosystems.
  • Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
    Organic waste in landfills produces methane gas (greenhouse gas), keeping organic waste out of landfills eliminates methane production.

What can you Compost?

One of the key aspects of good composting is to get the right mixture of organic waste. An easy way to think about it is to try and get an equal ratio of “Greens” & “Browns”

Greens (Nitrogen-rich)

  • Fruits & Vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds
  • Tea bags (without plastic bags)
  • Fresh grass clippings
  • Houseplant trimmings
  • Eggshells

Browns (Carbon-rich)

  • Dry Leaves
  • Small branches & twigs
  • Shredded paper
  • Paper and uncoated cardboard
  • Straw & Hay
  • Wood chips

What you Should NOT Compost

  • Meat, fish and bones
  • Dairy products
  • Oils, grease and fats
  • Diseased plants
  • Pet waste (dogs or cats)
  • Plastics, metals and glass
  • Treated or painted wood
  • Glossy or coated paper / cardboard

How to Start Composting?

Composting is actually pretty easy to start, you will be surprised by just how many compostable items we throw away daily. Follow these steps to start your composting journey.

  • Choose a Spot
    Pick a dry, shady place in your yard or balcony for your compost bin or pile.
  • Get a Bin (or Make a Pile)
    You can buy a compost bin, use a large container with holes, or simply make a pile on the ground.
  • Start With Browns
    Add dry materials like leaves, cardboard, or shredded paper as your base.
  • Add Greens
    Add fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings.
  • Keep It Moist
    Your compost should feel like a damp sponge — not too wet, not too dry.
  • Mix It Occasionally
    Stir or turn the pile every 1–2 weeks to add air and speed up decomposition.
  • Avoid Problem Items
    Don’t add meat, dairy, oils, or pet waste — they cause odors and pests.
  • Wait for It to Break Down
    Compost usually takes 2–6 months to finish, depending on temperature and how often it’s mixed.

How to use Finished Compost

  • Mix into garden soil
  • Spread on lawns as a natural fertilizer
  • Add to plotted plants
  • Use as mulch around trees and shrubs

Tips for Composting Successfully

  • Aim for a balance of “Greens” and “Browns”
  • Keep the compost moist but not soggy
  • Stir or turn compost pile every 1 to 2 weeks for airflow
  • Chop or break items into smaller pieces for faster breakdown.
  • Keep a countertop container in your kitchen to collect daily food scraps.
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