4 steps to start your own compost and why it’s important
Composting is a process in which your old vegetable shavings, eggshells, coffee grounds and similar organic waste can be recycled. Compost has multiple uses, either that compost can be used to create nutrient enriched fertilizer (soil) for gardens (either your own or within the community, and for local farmers). Or the second perhaps less well-known use of compost is to create clean energy. This article is about how you can start compost for fertilizer that can be used at home or donated to a facility.
Regardless of which way we recycle or use our compost, getting rid of organic waste in this way reduces the amount of trash filling landfills. In fact, many people assume that these organics will break down even in landfills so there is simply no harm in throwing these organics in the trash; but this is a misconception. Often the organics that end up in landfills don’t have enough oxygen to decompose since they are buried in mounds of other waste and therefore the potential to create clean energy or fresh soil is wasted. The good news is, anyone can compost, and this article is here to let you in on some tips and tricks to get started.
Depending on where you live it may be easier or more difficult to compost but this depends on what you want to do with that compost. Many individuals start their own compost for at home use and take the organics straight from waste to finished soil product for their own lawns and gardens. Others may live in apartment complexes or simply have no need or interest for creating a usable product and for those individuals, there are a few ways to start a compost bin that can be useful to community gardens or local farmers.
These individuals have two options. The first is to use a composting pick-up service much like recycle bins – that usually charges a small monthly fee- within their area. The second is to take your compost to a local drop-off site weekly or bi-weekly. In Los Angeles farmers markets are starting to work with non-profits to get composting stations to more weekly markets to create better access and it’s likely that other areas have similar programs. Otherwise, there are facilities that deal directly with creating compost from the organics you drop off at their facilities. The key in all of this is to do a little research in your local area and see what options are available for you.
Despite all these factors, the way you start the compost bin will be about the same for everyone, with the only major difference being what organics you can include in your bin.
Step 1. Do some research
As we’ve discussed there are different options based on your personal goals and the options in your area. It shouldn’t take you more than 20 minutes of browsing online to find a drop-off or pick-up facility or decide that you want or need to make your own! If you do choose a company, learning about their goals and what they do with the compost is important. It will help you be sure you’re aligned with their cause and it will make you feel more informed about how you’re decision to start a compost is helping your community! Once you figure this out, the rest of the process will practically happen on its own.
Bonus points if you’re dropping off compost at the farmers market and then supporting local farmers by picking up your vegetables there afterwards!
Step 2. Get a bin.
There are many choices and options out there and how you choose to do this can depend on whether you’re getting a pickup service or dropping off your own. Many people keep a small bin in their freezer for drop off each week to reduce smell. Others keep a larger container usually outside and empty a small indoor container to it each day. Vary this based on how you plan to recycle the organic waste you collect.
Step 3. Start filling it up.
If you are dropping off or have a pickup service, it is important to read the terms of that program to know what that company accepts or doesn’t accept in their compost donations. However, if you’re making your own compost for personal use, you’ll have a lot more flexibility to include even meat and dairy products.
Step 4. How the compost is made
Whether you’re making your own or giving it to local facilities it is important to understand the basic process in which compost soil is made. It comes down to two ingredients, browns and greens. Greens are all the organic waste we’re trying to gather and recycle from our daily use. Browns function as a base to eventually turn into soil, these are usually sticks, leaves, or dirt, but some companies use paper bags, cardboard, or similar materials. Basically, greens and browns are layered up and turned and stirred over time to help the organics decompose. This process can take a while (a few months), but the final product gives us something we can use rather than filling up landfills that are already full.
That’s about it! The process of starting your own compost is pretty simple and you’ll feel a lot more at ease knowing that what you’d usually take to the dump is helping the planet instead. Hopefully these 4 steps will help you help our planet and maybe your friends and family will also want to learn what composting is about! Start the conversation, lead by example, take action.