Use the below resources to start your composting journey.

🌱 Why It Is Beneficial to Compost

1. Reduces Landfill Waste: Organic waste makes up a significant portion of household trash. Composting diverts this waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions.
2. Improves Soil Health: Compost enriches soil with essential nutrients, enhances moisture retention, and supports beneficial microorganisms.
3. Reduces Greenhouse Gases: Composting organic matter aerobically (with oxygen) reduces methane production compared to anaerobic landfill decomposition.
4. Saves Money: Less need for store-bought fertilizers, and potentially reduced trash pick-up costs.
5. Supports Sustainability: Encourages a circular system where waste is transformed into a useful resource.

🔄 How and What to Compost

1. Choose a Method:

   • Backyard bin/pile (traditional outdoor composting)
   • Tumbler (rotating drum that speeds up decomposition)
   • Vermicomposting (using worms indoors or outdoors)
   • Bokashi (fermentation method for food waste)

2. What to Compost:

   • Greens (nitrogen): Fruit/vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings

   • Browns (carbon): Dry leaves, shredded paper, cardboard, sawdust

     

3. Avoid Composting:

   • Meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants (unless using a specialized method)

4. Maintain Balance:

   • Aim for a (2–3):1 ratio of browns to greens

   • Turn the pile every 1–2 weeks to add oxygen and speed up decomposition

     

5. Moisture & Air:

   • Keep the pile moist (like a wrung-out sponge)
   • Use aeration (turning or poking holes) to prevent foul odors

🏠 Composting: Residential vs. Rural

🏘️ Residential (Urban/Suburban) Considerations:

• Space constraints: Choose compact bins or tumblers
• Local ordinances: Check for HOA or city regulations
• Odor/pest control: Bins with tight lids and regular maintenance are essential
• Neighbors: Place bins away from shared property lines

🚜 Rural Considerations:

• More space: Allows for larger piles and passive composting methods
• Less restriction: Fewer regulations and more flexibility
• Wildlife: Increased risk of animal intrusion (use secured bins or fencing)
• More yard waste: Greater volume may need larger composting systems