Diverting organics from the landfill by backyard composting was the focus of a workshop sponsored by Wellington County’s Solid Waste Services Division.
The event, held at the Drayton library on April 23, was an introduction to composting and its benefits.
“Composting is recycling – naturally. Mixing together organic materials that naturally decay through microorganism digestion, producing a soil rich in nutrients,” Solid Waste Services consultant Don Prosser stated.
Materials suited to the composting process include grass clippings, shredded Newspaper, coffee grounds, eggshells, tea bags, fruit and vegetable cores and peelings, plant pruning’s and dryer lint.
Non-compostable materials introduce toxins, stop decomposition and spread diseases that prevent microorganisms from turning organic materials into compost. These materials include pet waste, pressure treated wood, plants treated with herbicides or pesticides, diseased plants, mature weeds and seeds, plastics, metals, ceramic and glass.
“Compostable materials are comprised of brown and green materials that are chopped or shredded into smaller particles to accelerate the decomposition process,” Prosser said.
“The good or green materials provide a protein source for microorganisms through nitrogen. Brown materials consisting of dried leaves, twigs, egg shells and shredded Newspaper, are sugar-rich materials that provide energy through carbon, allowing microorganisms to break down organic materials.”
An efficient composting process involves the right type and layering of materials along with a ratio of brown (carbon) and green (nitrogen) mixes. Two browns to one green is ideal but composting will occur with whatever is available. Incorrect ratios may lead to slow composting rates, odours and dry piles. Air and water are also essential in achieving a well functioning compost pile. Microorganisms require air for survival and temperature distribution is controlled by air. Composting generates heat spots that inhibit microorganism productivity. Air also reduces odours and destroys pathogens. Microorganisms need water for survival.
“Compost piles should have a 40 to 50 per cent moisture content and feel like a damp sponge. Layer composters beginning with coarse porous materials that allow for aeration and filtration. The second layer should be composed from browns followed by a green layer, repeat, adding water after each layer, topping off with browns, a shovel of dirt and a pail of water,” Prosser said.
Decomposition is the breaking down of organic matter into a simpler form of matter through the use of living organisms. Decomposers are made up of large invertebrates, visible bugs and tiny microorganisms. Active composting occurs in temperature ranges from 13 to 68 degrees Celsius.
The length of time taken to produce a finished compost is dependent on the size of the pile, type of material, surface area, moisture content, aeration, weather and temperatures.
“Your finished compost is ready for use when it is a dark, thick, moist soil that smells earthy and contains no identifiable starting ingredients,” Prosser explained.
Compost provides fertility, disease protection, erosion control and drought resistance to plants. The material can be used in gardens, flower beds, around trees and on lawns. Compostable material spread over soil acts as a cover providing nutrients, conserving water and stabilizes soil temperatures which keep root zones cool, thus creating less stress on plants. Weed growth is suppressed, tying up nitrogen on the soil surface where weed seeds germinate. Compost mixed with soil decreases disease and pests, increases soil nutrients, which in turn produces higher yields of products.
“Try making a compost tea by soaking compost in water for a few days, then strain it. The result is a non burning, nutrient rich liquid, usable in watering plants,” Prosser said.
Adding compost to clay soils improves aeration and drainage. Sandy soils will hold moisture and store nutrients for plants to use.
“When choosing a composter, consider the amount of yard and kitchen waste you generate, your composting style – active or passive – and the amount of money you are willing to spend.
There is a wide range of composters on the market. The vermicomposter, uses worms to breakdown material. The bokashi unit ferments material in an airtight container,” Prosser said.
He added, “The most common composter is the square or conical bin. Place bins in a sunny or semi-shady location that is easily accessible. Keep away from watercourses to prevent leaching and place the unit directly on the soil to allow small organisms to break down materials easily.”
Collection bins used inside the home range from a used ice cream bucket to a stainless steel container with a carbon filter.
“The container can be anything that will hold your materials. It doesn’t have to be fancy,” Prosser said.
Slower decomposition rates are caused by the pile being too small, dry, lacking in nitrogen and/or air. Build up the pile, add water, greens or browns as needed, to remedy the situation.
