Getting started

Composting

Composting is the decomposition of plant remains and other once-living materials to make an earthy, dark, crumbly substance that is excellent for adding to houseplants or enriching garden soil. It is the way to recycle your garden and kitchen wastes, and is a critical step in reducing the volume of rubbish needlessly sent to landfills for disposal. It's easy to learn how to compost.

Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week May 7, 2006 to May 13, 2006.

Choosing a compost bin

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right bin. Bin capacity and lid designs are varied and there are plenty of helpful accessories for every home composter, novice or expert.

Your Local Council may be participating in a discounted purchasing scheme call 0845 600 0323 or email info@recyclenow.com to find out how choose a bin and where to order.

Take a look at some of the choices in bins and accessories you may be able to get. Most of the bins can be found at Major DIY stores, Garden Centres and on some Local Authority Schemes.

Alternatively, you could make your own:

Building a composter

Building your own composter will allow you to design a unit to suit your specific needs. A composter can be made of wood, concrete blocks, wire mesh or almost any material you have available. The three most essential features in a composter are:

A lid that protects the pile from rain and snow and allows you to control how much moisture gets in.
Holes or vents to allow air circulation.
A means of removing the final product.

Here are some design ideas:

A wire mesh bin with a hinged front panel.
A three-sided cement block bin with an open front that will allow you to turn the pile and remove the finished compost easily.
A circular unit made from chicken wire or snow fencing that can be opened up to collect the finished compost.
A wooden pallet or two-by-four box with a lid and spaces for ventilation.
A metal barrel or rubbish bin with holes punched in the side and the bottom removed.

Where to put it

Put the bin somewhere convenient to use, on bare earth in the sun or shade.

What other equipment may I need ?

Chippers and shredders

Thermometers
Hydrators
PH testers
Aerators
Worms

Worm composting is a method for recycling food waste into a rich, dark, earth-smelling soil conditioner. The great advantage of worm composting is that this can be done indoors and outdoors, thus allowing year round composting. It also provides people without a garden with a means of composting.

In a nutshell, worm compost is made in a container filled with moistened bedding and redworms. Add your food waste for a period of time, and the worms and micro-organisms will eventually convert the entire contents into rich compost.