Composting
RELATED LINKS
Don't know how to throw it out? Use the Waste Sorting Lookup.
For more on composting, visit the Composting Council of Canada Web site.
VERMI-COMPOSTING
If you live in an apartment or don't have space in your backyard for a regular composter,
you can Trim Your Waste by Vermi-composting. Most vermi-composting systems use red worms,
also known as Red Wrigglers to produce a nitrogen rich natural fertilizer. A single pound
of worms can process as much as a half a pound of organic waste per day.
Composting
is nature's way of recycling. Not only does it reduce the amount of household garbage
generated, but it's also beneficial in your garden as a soil additive and mulching agent.
Composting is easy — simply collect your kitchen scraps in a small receptacle such as a
pail, or a plastic container, and empty it into your backyard composter once or twice a
week. Backyard composters are available at the Kingston Area Recycling Centre for $30.00.
Your composter should be placed in a sunny location, as heat is essential for the decomposition process. The right mixture of materials will also help the process along. The following ingredients make up the "compost recipe":
- Nitrogen — from kitchen scraps and grass trimmings;
- — from leaves, wood chips, peat moss;
- Air — stir and turn the pile regularly, this aerates and mixes it.
- Water — keep the pile moist.
Composting is a balancing act — too much, or too little, nitrogen or carbon can affect the decomposition process. If your compost isn't breaking down you may have to add more nitrogen rich material such as kitchen scraps. Similarly, if your compost has ammonia like odour, you may have to add more carbon rich material such as peat moss, leaves or twigs. For best results keep the contents of your composter moist and stir it regularly to keep odours and insects under control.
|
Nitrogen Rich Materials |
Carbon Rich Materials |
|---|---|
|
Fruit & Vegetable scraps |
Dry leaves |
|
Coffee grounds & coffee filters |
Wood chips |
|
Grass clippings |
Sawdust |
|
Plant trimmings |
Straw |
|
House plants |
Twigs |
|
Tea bags |
Note — these materials should be added in layers of 1 inch or less. Wood chips take a long time to break down so use sparingly. |
|
Egg shells |
Don't compost meat, bones, or fatty foods like cheese, or salad dressing, as they may attract pests. Moreover, don't compost dog or cat feces as they may contain harmful pathogens.
For more information please call Customer Service at 613-546-0000.
