Garbage Composting

Garbage composting improves the conditions of your soil for plant growth.

Compost adds nutrients to your soil, allowing you to grow a wide array of plants from ornamental to edible. Compost is basically comprised of garbage, such as kitchen wastes, plant trimmings and other biodegradable items that decompose quickly. Knowing how to compost garbage gives you the ability to introduce nutrients to your garden soil for the optimal health of all of your plants. Whether you're a beginner or expert gardener, you may find garbage composting useful to your efforts.

Things You'll Need

• Standard metal garbage can
• Power drill
• 1-inch drill bit
• Assorted garbage
• Soil
• Shovel
• Pitchfork
• Plastic airtight gallon container

Instructions

1. Lay the garbage can on its side.

2. Attach the drill bit to your drill according to the instructions for your drill's model. Ensure that it's secure.

3. Drill a series of holes 2 inches apart around the bottom circumference of the garbage can. Move upward by a foot and repeat this. Repeat this for every foot around the garbage can. This creates aeration to aid in the fermentation of the garbage compost. Roll the can toward you as you drill holes in it while it is on its side. This makes it easier and quicker to drill the holes around the circumference of the can.

4. Line the bottom 5 inches of the garbage can with garden soil. This adds body to your compost mixture.

5. Collect assorted garbage that is safe for composting and add it to the garbage can, filling it as full as 3/4 of the way. Compost-safe garbage includes eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, any vegetable and fruit matter, and outdoor grass clippings. Non-organic items such as paper egg cartons, coffee filters and tea-bag paper are biodegradable and decay quickly in compost. Avoid foods that contain starch, like breads and potatoes, and never use meat in compost; these items attract pests and create horrible odors.

6. Cover the garbage with 5 inches of soil.

7. Use the shovel to stir the contents of the garbage can thoroughly.

8. Cover the garbage can and let it cure the garbage compost for at least six weeks. To speed up the decomposition of the materials, turn the compost with a pitchfork every two to three days. If you do not need the compost for a year, allow the can to sit unmolested for that time; at the end of the year, you will have rich compost.

9. Place the plastic airtight container in your kitchen under your sink; use it to store kitchen waste until you add it to your composting can. Plastic gallon ice cream containers are ideal for this task.

References

• Greater Upper Valley Solid Waste Department: Composting Your Garbage
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service: Making a Compost Bin