- Traditional composting methods include the use of a variety of composting bins to reduce yard and garden waste. Open containers, such as wire or plastic containers, require more effort because the composting materials need to be turned manually with a pitchfork regularly. Enclosed composting bins, such composting tumblers and rolling composting bins, are beneficial in that the materials are kept secured from neighborhood pests, which allows for both kitchen and yard waste composting. Multi-bin systems are beneficial for larger-scale composting projects, such as a community composting area shared by multiple families. Vermicomposting, also known as worm composting, is also a good way to reduce yard and kitchen waste.
- Commercially created composting bins that are ready to use are available for purchase at many home and garden centers as well as through online stores. Many composting bins can also be created at home from a variety of easily accessible materials, such as plastic garbage cans or Rubbermaid containers. Be sure to prepare a composting bin that is suited to the type of composting methods chosen.
- Materials that are safe to include in the composting bin, regardless of what type of bin being used, include yard wastes such as grass clippings, dead tree leaves and twigs; weeds from flower and vegetable gardens; and vegetable plants that need to be disposed of at the end of the growing season. Enclosed composting bins and vermicomposting systems will also accept a variety of food waste such as fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee and tea grounds, and crushed eggshells. If desired, wood shavings may also be added to the composting bins; however, be sure not to add chemically treated wood, which may contain harmful substances.
- Be sure to provide adequate amounts of oxygen to the composting pile to assist in the decomposition of the materials either by manually turning the composting materials with a pitchfork or by rolling the bin if possible. This should be done at least once a day. It is also important to keep the composting materials damp with water. The materials should have enough moisture that they feel like a damp sponge to the touch.
- After several weeks, depending mostly upon what materials were added to the composting pile, the compost will be ready for harvesting. Compost that is ready for harvest will have an earthy dark brown color in appearance and will easily crumble to the touch. If desired, the composted materials may be sifted through a piece of screen to remove any larger pieces that can be added back into the compost pile to continue decomposing.
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