How to Compost Food Waste
Keeping food waste out of the landfill helps to save the environment by reducing methane gas emitted from decaying food. The easiest way to start composting is to make a pile in your backyard. Use green material, which provides nitrogen, layered with brown waste to add carbon. Together with water and air, you will end up with a deep brown nutrient-rich soil you can add to flowerbeds, vegetable gardens and potted plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Decide where you would like to put your compost pile. Start with a dry, shaded place in your backyard. If you want to keep the pile contained, make a box by nailing boards together. You can also use snow fencing or chicken wire for containment. An ideal size is three-feet wide by three-feet long by three-feet tall. Composting bins can also be purchased at garden centers.
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Add food waste as you collect it. This will be your green layer, which includes fruits, vegetables, breads, grains, coffee grounds, paper coffee filters and tea bags without staples. Do not use meats, dairy products, fats or oils.
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Cover the green food waste at least 10 inches with brown waste. Browns to use are eggshells, nutshells, yard clippings, cardboard rolls, newspaper, clean paper, old potting soil, and dryer or vacuum lint. Chop, cut or shred any large pieces for easier decomposition.
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Spray with water to moisten. Moisture will help decompose the food waste and other matter that you put into your compost pile.
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Cover with a tarp. This helps to keep moisture and heat in the pile.
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Turn the compost pile every week. Turning will help to distribute air and moisture. Use a pitchfork, making sure to mix the dry edges into the center of the pile.
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Use the compost when it becomes a deep rich soil and the waste has decomposed. Sift out any large pieces. The compost will be ready to use in one to four months.
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Tips & Warnings
If your pile is not composting, try turning, watering or adding more waste material.
Do not add materials such as plastic, aluminum, glass, painted wood or treated wood.
Do not add pet waste or soiled diapers.
Do not use perennial weeds with roots, coal ash, charcoal ash, black walnut leaves, black walnut branches or yard waste treated with chemicals.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Kompost-Schale image by Roland Marz from Fotolia.com
