Do you compost? Well, this is a loaded question. It seems if you don’t compost then you are not doing your best to recycle and avoid needless landfill waste. Composting is the ultimate way to recyle because you are in fact hosting the recycling facility yourself. The recycling plant is in your backyard. Having a compost bin probably should be the first thing you do in an effort to reduce your waste and be a good “green” mommy and a good steward of our earth. BUT….composting can seem a bit daunting. I have always dabbled with composting but was quick to give it up for one reason or another….usually because it attracted unsavory critters if it was outdoors and it smelled to high heaven if it were kept indoors or in any other way confined.
When I moved to my new digs I found I already had an well established compost bin, so I figured it was worth another go and after several months I can call my self a confident composter. Yes, it has bugs but no rodents or other creatures except maybe an occasional raccoon. It doesn’t smell in the least either. In my research to find the perfect compost equation I have some tips to share:
1. The easiest compost bin is one that is low to the ground, open on the top, and large.
2. Add scraps such as raw and cooked foods, vegetable peelings, tea bags and coffee grounds, hair and nail clippings, and egg shells. Also add crumpled up paper, egg cartons (not the platstic or styrofoam ones), paperboard, tissues, and toilet roll spindles.
3. Avoid putting any meat or dairy or food items made or cooked with meat or dairy in the compost bin.
4. If the compost stinks add more crumpled paper and cardboard to help with moisture. 5. The best compost is at least 6 months to a year old, hence the need for a big bin.
6. Don’t let the compost dry out. If you live in an arid climate or you are experiencing a drought you may need to add water.
7. Too much of one material will slow the process down. Mix it up and make sure a variety of materials are composting. I can’t wait to spread the resulting composted soil on my garden next year!
Even though I am happy to say I compost I do realize that it is not such an easy thing for many families, especially those with limited space. So now it is your turn. Tell me abut your compost bin or lack thereof.
Don’t compost yet. I would like to, but the whole “getting it started” seems daunting. Do you have any websites/books that make it simple??
In fact, I was doing some research for an article for Tiffany and it just happened that one of the items was composting. Lisa, you may want to have a look at:
http://www.recyclenow.com/home_composting/index.html
http://www.compost.org.uk
Hope it helps.
Actually, we just started about three weeks ago and I’m really excited. Already our amount of “trash” has decreased drastically, and we’ve stopped using our disposal in the sink.
One question: how big is “big”? Right now ours is about two feet by two feet, is that too small?
I LOVE your blog. Just stumbled upon it by “accident”, but it came at just the right time. My dh and I are really working on leaving a light footprint, using less energy, choosing what we do use wisely, etc. I’m loving your ideas too! Thanks! Keep it up!
I suggest that, in addition to doing your research online, you also check locally for information and materials.
We got started with composting through our city/township Recycling Center. They provided us with written materials, a low-cost compost bin and answered our questions.
I also received a second (better designed) compost bin for free just for attending a free seminar at a festival held at a local arboretum. The seminar was interesting and the bin is really nice — it has a lid and a little door at the bottom to easily shovel compost out.
We have both bins set up next to our shed. The first one is a basic uncovered bin that we use to store leaves, grass clippings, et cetera. The second one, we use as our compost bin. When we put in our food scraps, we take material from the first bin to cover the food. This helps us keep the ratios favorable, plus helps keep away bugs and animals.
The total space used for both bins is about 6’x3′.
It is so wonderful to be able to cut down on trash while making such rich wonderful soil to be used in the garden and around the yard!
I’ve only been composting about a month and learned a great deal from http://www.compostguide.com – our compost is 3×3
Do You Compost?…
Easy tips for helping you start the composting process in your own backyard….
Thanks everyone for the great links. Shannon a know many people use small compost bins so I say “whatever worls for you” is the right size. :) Thanks for the kind words!
My compost bin is about 10×15 so pretty big but we have a pretty big yard and one half of it it dedicated to grass clippings, leaves, tree trimmings, etc.
Melanie…great tips! I will check into any local composting resources available in my area. I never thought to look into that.
If you are having trouble with critters, create a mesh top for your bin (a old window screen with some wood edges added will do the trick) and place on top of your bin. Still allows for air circulation. Also, you should rotate your compost with a pitchfork or whatever to allow air to circulate; just letting the stuff on top rotate with the stuff on the bottom and vice versa.
These are some good tips and a great place to start for those interested in composting.
Yeah, you’re right. It is difficult for those of us with smaller houses. But, if we have a smaller house, we tend to have a smaller garden. So, it’s relative. When I was young we stayed in a fairly big house. That was when my folks would compost – as we had a big garden (and composting was just cheaper… I’m not sure if they really did it for any other reasons back in the 80’s!) In a smaller house, though, there hasn’t been any need for it and so it’s all pretty relative at the end of the day. Great tips though, will keep them in mind if I (hopefully) get to move into a house with a nice, large, and attractive garden!
This is really a great project at home. At first look this looks very tedious, time consuming and absolutely something which will really make your hands dirty. But you made it seem so easy and not so filthy. Now, tell me if you’re working mom how would you be able to handle this task?
My husband and I invested in a Compost tumbler and it is the best. It sits about 3 feet off the ground on a stand and you use a crank to rotate the drum every couple of days. We put all our fall leaves and summer grass clippings along with all kitchen vegetable waste in the bin and because it is so easy to turn my 5year old can do it you have available garden compost in 20 days . We love it. It never smells, and is virtually effortless once you get it started. I will say it was very pricey which might be prohibitive for some people, but we are really glad we paid the price because of its ease of use.
hey i have been composting for roughly a year and have nearly filled my bin but do you have any ideas how to decrease the fruit flies?, a swarm comes out each time we add something, its horrid. Also any ideas on how to make it decompose quicker without chemicals? Many thanks in advance for any help.