![Any Questions Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Division of Solid Waste Services Waste Reduction and Recycling Section 101 Monroe Street, 6 th Floor Rockville, MD 20850 240-777-6400 (Phone) 240-777-6442 (TTY) 240-777-6465 (Fax) www.montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling [email_address]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/compostworkshopseptemberana-090912203513-phpapp01/85/Home-composting-Ana-14-320.jpg)
Home composting - Ana
- 1. Composting 101 September 12, 2009
- 2. 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.
- 3. 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.
- 4. The Compost Equation Brown Material + Green Material Air Water + = COMPOST +
- 5. 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
- 6. Acceptable Materials to Compost Carbon - brown materials such as: dry leaves -cotton rags woodchips -dryer lint straw sawdust Nitrogen - green materials such as: plant trimmings grass -coffee grounds flowers -fresh hay pruning -tea bags nut shells
- 7. 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.
- 8. Tips to Remember Get the right temperature Keep the pile moist Let the pile BREATHE
- 10. Troubleshooting Add brown materials such as dry leaves, dry straw or shredded paper. The compost pile is emitting an odor – a well maintained pile seldom has a bad odor. Add green materials such as grass clippings and turn the pile to aerate. Nothing is happening Add brown materials such as dry leaves, dry straw, shredded paper, or sawdust. The compost pile is too wet – this stops any activity in your compost pile 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 dry – bacteria needs moisture to survive and reproduce Solution Problem
- 11. “ It’s Worth the Time!”
- 12. 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
- 13. 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
- 14. Any Questions Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Division of Solid Waste Services Waste Reduction and Recycling Section 101 Monroe Street, 6 th Floor Rockville, MD 20850 240-777-6400 (Phone) 240-777-6442 (TTY) 240-777-6465 (Fax) www.montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling [email_address]