APPENDIX (I)

How Composting Works

When food and yard waste are heaped in a pile, or in a composting bin, millions of micro organisms begin to break down the waste. Over time, the food and yard waste turns into a brown soil-like compost. The amount of time it takes depends on what is in the pile, how often it is turned, and if it is moist enough. Leaves take longer to break down than other vegetable matter. In three months to one year, the compost should be ready to use.

You can also use leaves as mulch around shrubs, on the lawn and on plants in the garden to hold in moisture and deter weed growth.
 

Basic Instructions:

• Set up a compost bin on bare soil, remove sod if necessary. It is best to pest proof at this point.

• Start with a layer of kitchen and yard waste.

• Add a shovel full of dirt to make a thin layer. Cover with chopped up leaves.

• Manure, commercial fertilizer or compost starter can be added at this point.

• Add more organic matter and occasionally a shovel full of dirt.

• When adding leaves or grass, mix in with other compost. Add no more than 6 inches of dry grass.

• If you don't turn the pile, it will take longer to decompose.

• Turn the pile when the build up of heat decreases. It should heat up again.

• If there is an odour problem, turn the pile more frequently. It is likely to be too wet.

• Make sure there is enough moisture -- damp sponge consistency is best.

• Compost will be soil like and crumble when finished.

What to Compost	Do not compost
Nitrogen rich green materials Fruit and vegetable scraps  Tea bags  Egg shells, and coffee grounds with filter paper  Nut shells  Fresh grass clippings and weeds (in thin layers)  Plant trimmings and remains  Woody yard waste (shred first) Potassium-rich materials Wood ash from fireplace or wood stove Carbon-rich brown materials Dry leaves Straw Sawdust (in very thin layers) Wood chips	Pet wastes Charcoal or coal ashes Meat, bones, fat Dairy products Oil or oily foods Disease or insect-infested plants Diapers and sanitary products