What is Composting?
Composting is nature's way of recycling your kitchen and garden waste. Not only can you save money by not purchasing shop-bought compost, but you can also improve your garden by helping your soil become more fertile. Composting creates organic resources, which is beneficial to the environment.
How to Get Started
- Equipment: The first thing you need to do is either build or purchase a composting bin. You can buy compost bins for a very reasonable price from most good garden centres or online. If you decide to create your own, look at these tips. Visit: Build a Compost Bin - BBC Gardeners World Magazine
- Location: The location of your bin depends on your garden and space. It can be on Soil or Concrete (soil is recommended). Putting the bin in a sunny area will speed up the composting process but also work fine in a shaded area. Make sure that your bin is not too close to your house and that it is convenient for you.
- Start adding your material; any garden clippings, including grass, can be composted with leftover fruit, vegetables, and a small amount of cardboard or paper. Egg boxes are perfect to use as they allow air pockets into your spaces. - See below for more information
What Can I put in?
Fill it up and give it some time! Try to get a 50/50 mix of greens and browns, as this creates the best compost.
| Green | Brown |
|---|---|
| Fresh Leaves | Dead Leaves |
| Old Flowers and Leaves | Paper, Cardboard and Egg Boxes |
| Grass and Hedge Clippings | Small Twigs |
| Fruit Waste | Straw |
| Vegetable Peelings | Sawdust |
Where to Start
Composters for residents - Composters can be purchased locally at most prominent garden centres. or visit Get Composting, where residents can purchase compost bins at great prices. Visit: GetComposting.
Homemade compost bins - Garden Organic have a great guide. Click to visit Garden Organic | Homemade compost bins
Bargain - Bins and equipment. You could also grab a bargain or free stuff. Click links below to visit website:
Help getting started, a handy guide to help you get the most out of your composter. Click link to view Composting at home brochure
The RHS have a great website if you hit any problems. Visit: Composting / RHS Gardening
How Long Will It Take?
Be patient; It takes around 9-12 months for the composting process to be complete. Remember to keep adding greens and browns to the top of your bin as you go.
How will I know when it's ready?
You'll know when it is ready to use when it turns into a crumbly, dark, earthy material.
Where can I use it?
You can use your compost on flower beds, veggie patches, or hanging baskets!
Can I buy Compost Bins?
You don't have to have a compost bin to get started, you could have a compost heap with a cardboard or plastic cover.
Bins are much neater and often easier to manage however.
Contact us
Waste Collection
Eastcroft Depot
London Road
Nottingham
NG2 3AH
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