Composting
Composting breaks down your household food and garden materials into a rich type of soil. It's a great way to reduce your household waste and create a natural fertilizer, all at the same time.
Earth Machine Composters are available for purchase at the Burford and Paris Customer Service Offices, and the Landfill and the Paris Transfer Stations.
This composter costs $22.12 plus HST.
Getting Started
The recipe for composting success is easy!
Greens + Browns + Water + Air = Compost
Browns = materials high in carbon (e.g. dried leaves, shredded paper)
Greens = materials high in nitrogen (e.g. grass clippings, vegetables)
Step 1: Find your spot
Find a suitable spot for your composter. Select a level, sunny area that has good drainage and is convenient to access year-round.
Step 2: Make your base
Once your composter is in place, add a base layer of twigs and small branches in the bottom of the composter. This will let air to enter the compost and allow it to drain.
Step 3: Add in layers
Add materials in alternating layers. The ideal mix is 1 - 2 parts kitchen scraps (greens) and one part yard waste (browns). Add some finished compost or garden soil to your composter. This will introduce the necessary microorganism needed for the composting process and to help reduce odour.
Step 4: Turn and moisten
Mix up your compost regularly to increase air circulation in your compost pile, which needs oxygen in order to break down. The compost pile should be kept moist, like a damp sponge. If your pile looks too dry, add a little bit of water.
Composting Tips
- Use a pitchfork or shovel to aerate your compost pile - some hardware and home improvement stores sell aerators specially designed for composters
- Save some of your leaves from the fall for use during the spring and summer
- Your compost is ready when it is dark in colour, crumbles to the touch and has an earthy smell
- Consider using a second composter - one you can add materials to while the other is finishing
- Chop materials smaller to help them break down quicker