- Handbook Home
- Too Much Trash
- A Basic Solution
- Making it Work
- The Four Principles
- The Twelve Tips
- Conclusion
Composting is Easy!
![a capital green letter A with a yellow cats paw print](images/a.gif)
Many
foods can be composted, including vegetable trimmings, egg shells, coffee
grounds with filters, and tea bags. In addition to leaves, grass, and
yard clippings, vacuum cleaner lint, wool and cotton rags, sawdust, shredded
newspaper, and fireplace ashes can be composted. DO NOT compost meats,
dairy foods, or any fats, oil, or grease because they can attract pests.
Start
the pile with a 4-inch layer of leaves, loose soil, or other coarse yard
trimmings. If you are going to compost food scraps (a slightly more involved
process), you should mix them with yard trimmings when adding them to
the pile. Alfalfa meal or clean cat litter may be added to the pile to
absorb odors. In dry weather, sprinkle water on the pile, but don't get
it too soggy. Turn the pile every few weeks with a pitchfork to circulate
air and distribute moisture evenly. Don't be surprised by the heat of
the pile or if you see worms, both of which are part of the decomposition
process. Make sure children do not play in the composting pile or bin.
In
most climates, the compost is done in 3 to 6 months when it becomes a
dark crumbly material that is uniform in texture. Spread it in the garden
or yard beds or under the shrubbery. The compost also can be used as potting
soil.