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Composting 101
September 12, 2009
What is Composting?
• A simple way to recycle your yard trimmings and protect the environment! – Grass – Leaves– Garden trimmings
• Composting is a natural process in which yard waste materials decompose into a dark, nutrient-rich, sweet-smelling soil conditioner.
Benefits of Composting
• Saves by reducing the need to use synthetic fertilizers.
• Increases the productivity of lawns and gardens by improving soil fertility and health.
• Saves water by helping soil retain moisture.
• Reduces water runoff from rain and melting snow.
• Benefits the environment by recycling valuable organic resources back into the soil.
The Compost Equation
Brown
Material +Green Material
Air Water+
=
COMPOST
+
Composting at Home
• What works best for you? – Hot vs. Cool Composting
• Hot: faster results, requires additional maintenance• Cool: slower results, less labor involved
– Bin vs. No Bin• Bin: prevents heat loss, retains moisture, aesthetics • No Bin: easier to turn materials; less labor
Acceptable Materials to Compost
Nitrogen - green materials such as:−plant trimmings−grass -coffee grounds−flowers -fresh hay−pruning -tea bags−nut shells
Carbon - brown materials such as:−dry leaves -cotton rags−woodchips -dryer lint−straw−sawdust
How to Compost
• Place some branches on the bottom (not necessary)• Add brown materials and green materials until the bin
is full. • Water lightly. • Turn your compost pile every week or two. Move the
dry materials from the edges of the pile into the middle of the pile.
• Your compost will be “ready” in one to four months (this will vary). Before using the finished compost, let the compost sit for at least two weeks.
Tips to Remember• Get the right temperature• Keep the pile moist
• Let the pile
Aerating the Pile
Troubleshooting
Problem Solution The compost pile is too dry –
bacteria needs moisture to survive and reproduce
Add water and/or green materials such as grass clippings. You want the pile to feel moist to the touch similar to a wet sponge.
The compost pile is too wet – this stops any activity in your compost pile
Add brown materials such as dry leaves, dry straw, shredded paper, or sawdust.
Nothing is happening Add green materials such as grass clippings and turn the pile to aerate.
The compost pile is emitting an odor – a well maintained pile seldom has a bad odor.
Add brown materials such as dry leaves, dry straw or shredded paper.
“It’s Worth the Time!”
The Result
Healthy Plant Growth– Proper root growth– “Good” bacteria growth– Maintains health of
plants– Suppression of
diseases– Slow release of
nutrients into soil
Control Soil With Compost
Brinton, William F., Soil - Plant - Compost, Woods End Research Laboratory
Internet Resources for Composting Information
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling
www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/LandPrograms/Recycling/Education/compostinfo.asp
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/composting/index.htm
www.p2pays.org/compost/composting101.asp
www.compostingcouncil.org
www.css.cornell.edu/compost/Composting_Homepage.html
Any Questions
Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Solid Waste ServicesWaste Reduction and Recycling Section
101 Monroe Street, 6th FloorRockville, MD 20850
240-777-6400 (Phone)240-777-6442 (TTY)240-777-6465 (Fax)
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling