Georgia food paths : partnering for sustainable food systems, no. 3

Georgia
FOOD PATHS Partnering for Sustainable Food Systems

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Compost at Home

Here's the dirt on composting. It's simple to do. All you need to get started is a little time, a little space, a bin and a basic understanding of the composting process.
Composting is nature's way of recycling. It is the natural decomposition of organic material (from plants and animals) such as leaves, yard trimmings and food waste (e.g., fruit and vegetable scraps). Microorganisms and insects break down this material into compost a crumbly, dark-colored, earthy-smelling, soil-like material. Compost is a nutrient-rich product that can be used in your garden and flower beds and on your lawn.

COMPOSTING: STEP BY STEP

Begin with the bin.

1

Ideally, your compost pile

should be at least 3 feet

wide, 3 feet deep and 3 feet

tall. Compost bins can be

purchased or made at home

with scrap wood and wire

mesh or an old trash can.

Pick a location.

2

Pick a dry, shady spot near a

water source in your backyard.

It needs to be at least 2 feet

away from any structures

including fences. There should

be enough space to add

materials as well as turn and

harvest your compost.

Follow the recipe.

3

Making compost is a lot like

cooking a meal you need a

recipe. The basic ingredients

are 3 parts "browns" to 1 part

"greens," in alternating layers.

See the back for more details.

Add water.

4

Water is important. Too little

moisture will inhibit the

composting process. Too

much moisture will cause the

compost pile to smell. Here's

a simple tip to follow the

compost pile should be as

moist as a sponge.

Mix it up.

5

Air is essential. Use a

pitchfork, shovel or roll your

barrel to turn your compost

pile at least once a week

to inhibit odor-causing

bacteria and to speed up the

composting process.

All done!

6

As materials break down the

pile will get warm. Don't be

alarmed if there is steam. Now

just wait you could have

finished compost in as little

as 12 weeks. When your pile

has no remnants of food and

is a dark, soil-like material, it's

ready!

What goes in and what stays out?

Can be Composted GREENS Fruits and Vegetables Eggshells Coffee Grounds and Filters Tea Bags Nut Shells Fresh Grass Clippings House Plants Dryer and Vacuum Lint Hair and Fur
Can be Composted BROWNS Shredded Newspaper Cardboard Brown Paper (e.g., napkins, paper towels) Yard Trimmings Dead Grass Clippings, Leaves and Twigs Hay and Straw Sawdust and Pencil Shavings Wood Chips and Mulch Cotton and Wool Rags Fireplace Ashes

should not be Composted Items to Avoid Black Walnut Tree Leaves or Twigs Coal or Charcoal Ash Dairy Products Eggs (shells are OK) Diseased or Insect-Ridden Plants Fats, Grease, Lard or Oils Meats or Bones Fish Bones or Scraps Pet Waste Treated Paper Products Plastics, Metals or Glass Chemical Products
Remember to turn or mix your compost at least once per week.

Problems and Solutions
1. The pile doesn't heat up. If the pile is new, try adding more "greens" or water to your pile. If your pile is old and you've turned it a few times, it may be finished composting.
2. It smells like ammonia. If the pile is too wet, turn it with a shovel or pitchfork to let in air and mix it up. Add "browns" to the pile. Ammonia odors often indicate too many "greens."
3. The pile is attracting scavengers. Don't add food waste with oils, meats or dairy. Keep "greens" covered with a layer of "browns."
Need Help?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers basic information on composting in your backyard or indoors depending on the space at www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home.
The Natural Resources Defense Council also provides tips for composting at www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-wayeasier-you-think.
Many local governments also offer workshops, often with opportunities to buy compost bins at reduced prices or at cost. Check with your local recycling coordinator.

The Benefits of Backyard Composting
Compost reduces the amount of waste a household generates.
Compost reduces or eliminates chemical fertilizer and pesticide use.
Compost improves soil by increasing aeration (the ability of air to circulate) and water-holding capacity (reducing your need to water) as well as helping plants absorb nutrients. Compost also helps suppress plant diseases and pests.
Composting at home can save you money.

For more information, visit www.epd.georgia.gov/food-residuals-
diversion or call 404-362-2663.
Content provided by: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling www.scdhec.gov/recycle
Printed on RECYCLED Paper