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It reduces the waste stream -

The main reason to compost is that it allows us to recycle the organic waste we generate at home and therefore reduce the burden on landfills.

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It reduces the waste stream -

Every year billions are spent on processing the waste generated in people’s homes, when it could be more easily turned into something useful.

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It cuts methane emissions -

When organic waste goes to the landfill, much of it gets buried under mountains of other trash. As a result, it undergoes a process of anaerobic decomposition, which produces methane and CO2 as a by-product.

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It cuts methane emissions -

The waste that doesn’t get buried, by contrast, undergoes regular aerobic decomposition, which doesn’t produce any gases that are harmful to the environment.

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It improves soil health -

Compost contains many nutrients that are needed by garden crops, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It offers an organic alternative to synthetic fertilizers, many of which contain harmful chemicals.

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It improves soil health -

Indeed, research shows that compost has a positive effect on both the productivity and the resiliency of soil.

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It conserves water -

Last but not least, compost plays a part in the effort to conserve water. Research shows that the ability of soil to retain water increases with the presence of organic matter.

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It conserves water -

By using compost, therefore, farmers can save water and reduce the overall water consumption of the agricultural industry.

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Choosing a container -

While decomposition will happen whether or not you use a container, using one helps to keep the pile tidy and makes it easier to harvest the compost when it’s ready.

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Choosing a container -

There are many different types of compost containers, and which one you choose will depend on your space. A quick online search should help you work out which is the best container for you.

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Choosing a location -

When it comes to choosing a location for your compost pile, make sure you choose somewhere that is well drained and easily accessible.

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Choosing a location -

Consider whether you will need access to it during the winter. If so, it might be best to keep it closer to the house.

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Getting the greens to browns ratio right -

The ideal ratio of greens (food scraps) to browns (leaves and twigs, etc.) is 1:3. Respecting this ratio will help keep odors to a minimum and speed up the process of decomposition.

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Getting the greens to browns ratio right -

Be sure to collect your browns during the fall when they are in good supply, and consider shredding them so that they do not compact once in the pile.

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Structuring the pile -

The ideal compost heap has alternating layers of browns and greens. Start with a layer of browns so as to absorb moisture and allow air into the bottom of the pile.

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Structuring the pile -

For every layer of greens you add, cover it with browns. Try to make sure there are no food scraps visible from the outside of the pile.

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Letting it breathe -

Bear in mind that the microbes in your compost pile need food, air, and water, just like you. The pile should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge.

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Letting it breathe -

If you want to, you can rotate your pile to maximize air flow and speed up decomposition. You can do this by rotating it in a tumbler or stirring it with a pitchfork.

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What to do if it smells -

It is important that you do not add any meat, bones, fish, shellfish, fats, grease, or large amounts of dairy to the pile, since this can make it start to smell.

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What to do if it smells -

If your compost pile does start to smell, try to turn it and break up any compacted or particularly wet parts. Mix in some browns and then cover the pile with several inches of browns to act as an odor filter.

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What to do if it attracts animals -

Make sure that you’re following all the steps to minimize odors from your compost pile. To prevent small animals from getting at it, line your compost system with a quarter inch hardware cloth.

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What to do if it attracts animals -

If you live in an area with bears, take down any bird feeders between March and December and secure your trash. It is also a good idea to place a fresh ammonia-soaked rag in a bucket next to your compost heap every two to three weeks.

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What to do if it attracts flies -

Flies will not do any harm to your compost heap, but they are annoying for you. Be sure to cover any exposed food scraps with browns, and bury fresh scraps deep in the pile.

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What to do if it attracts flies -

Cover any scraps that you collect in the kitchen with sawdust or wood shavings, or keep the container in the fridge or freezer to prevent fruit flies.

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Deciding when it's ready -

A cold compost pile takes several months to a year to finish. Once it’s done, it will smell earthy and look very much like dark mulch or soil.

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Deciding when it's ready -

If you do not want to wait until your whole compost pile is ready, you can take from the bottom as and when you need.

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How to use compost -

There are many ways you can use your home compost, from fertilizing your lawn to sprucing up your house plants.

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How to use compost -

When it comes to your house plants, you might consider repotting them and adding one part compost to two parts soil. Alternatively, you could leave them in their pots and add a quarter inch layer of compost, scratching it into the soil.

Sources: (NRDC) (Addison County Solid Waste Management District)

See also: Food waste—an alternative to natural gas

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