Home Composting 101 RECYCLE UTAH, YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTER SINCE 1990 PARK CITY, UTAH

What is Composting? Why Should We Do It?  Composting is the accelerated break-down of organic material  It can divert up to 30% of waste headed for the landfill  Composting regulates water retention and improves soil structure  Protection against erosion and soil-borne diseases  Humus, composting’s end-product, is nutrient-rich and can act as a chemical free, organic fertilizer

The Big Four GREENS Nitrogen-rich, moist materials that will help provide heat for the decomposition process Fruit and vegetable scraps Grass clippings Flowers Corn cobs and stalks Coffee grounds and filters BROWNS Carbon-rich, dry, anything from a tree Leaves, twigs, and pine needles Egg shells Shredded newspaper Cardboard scraps Fireplace ashes Straw and Hay Water & Oxygen Water creates a moist environment that is required for the break-down process to work Compost piles shrink considerably due to water loss Aerobic bacteria needs to be created by leaving space for air (and oxygen!) to move

Compostable vs. Non-Compostable Compostable  Fruit and vegetable scraps  Grass, tree, and hedge clippings  Hair and nail clippings  Egg Shells  Coffee grounds, filters, and tea bags  Shredded newspaper and cardboard scraps  Paper napkins and plates Non-Compostable  Bread products – pasta, cakes, or baked goods  Cooking oils or animal fats  Meat and bones  Dairy Products  Rice  Walnuts  Animal and human feces  Diseased plants

Household Compost Structures No bin system Loose system without barriers This method is not suggested for kitchen waste One bin system Can be homemade, or bought at Recycle Utah Hoop system composter Can easily be homemade with recycled chicken-wire and wooden stakes A homemade composter made from recycled wooden pallets Pallets can be found at Recycle Utah

Compost Preparation  Initial Prep You will need to pick a level, well- drained area for the compost heap Your compost heap needs to be at least 4 x 4 feet Rake the ground before starting the compost heap

Compost Preparation  Layers For a functional compost system, you will need one part green matter to three parts brown matter Layer 1: Brown matter like dry leaves to ensure airflow and to add carbon Layer 2: Green matter like kitchen waste to add nitrogen Layer 3: A small layer of soil to add microorganisms

Compost Preparation  Water and Oxygen The compost heap will need periodic watering The compost heap will need periodic movement The movement will fuel the microorganisms and the decomposition process by allowing oxygen to flow

Potential Problems with your Compost Not Hot Enough  If the compost is below 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it is important to know that the decomposition process is still happening, just at a slower rate  Problem: The compost pile is too small  Solution: Collect more brown and green matter to mix into the pile Too Dry  The center of the compost pile is too dry – dryer than a damp washcloth  Problem: Not enough water  Solution: Mix in more green matter, add water, and turn the pile

Potential Problems with your Compost Bad Odor  The compost heap is not supposed to smell bad  Problem: The compost heap is too wet, without sufficient oxygen  Solution: Mix in brown matter, and turn the pile Too Wet  The compost heap should be as moist as a damp washcloth  Problem: Lack of nitrogen  Solution: Mix in green matter like fruit and veggie scraps, or grass clippings

Black Gold - The Finished Product What is Humus?  Humus is what you’re left with after the composting process is complete  Once you can no longer discern the original materials and the matter is a rich brown color, you know you have humus What can you do with it?  Humus can be used in lieu of store- bought soil for gardening beds and potted plants  Humus can replace chemical fertilizers due to its high nutrient content  Use as a root stabilizer or mulch

The Magical Organic Method Trench Composting Dig trenches in your garden between raised beds Fill the trenches with dry or wet leaves By next growing season, you will have trenches filled with humus – nutrient dense soil Composting Pockets Dig a hole in your garden about a foot and a half deep Fill the hole with kitchen scraps, and cover with soil By the next growing season, you will have pockets filled with humus – nutrient dense soil Leave Grass Clippings Grass clippings are 85% water and decompose quickly Set your mower to 3” tall Leave the grass clippings on the grass The grass clippings will serve as a natural fertilizer for your lawn

Sources and Credits   Composting For Kids  SOCRRA - Home Composting. Recycle your yard waste the natural way.  Recycle Utah - Compost Benefits for healthy soils and water protection.