Composting 101

September 12, 2009

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.

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.

The Compost Equation

Brown

Material +Green Material

Air Water+

=

COMPOST

+

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

Acceptable Materials to Compost

Nitrogen - green materials such as:−plant trimmings−grass -coffee grounds−flowers -fresh hay−pruning -tea bags−nut shells

Carbon - brown materials such as:−dry leaves -cotton rags−woodchips -dryer lint−straw−sawdust

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.

Tips to Remember• Get the right temperature• Keep the pile moist

• Let the pile

Aerating the Pile

Troubleshooting

Problem Solution The compost pile is too dry –

bacteria needs moisture to survive and reproduce

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 wet – this stops any activity in your compost pile

Add brown materials such as dry leaves, dry straw, shredded paper, or sawdust.

Nothing is happening Add green materials such as grass clippings and turn the pile to aerate.

The compost pile is emitting an odor – a well maintained pile seldom has a bad odor.

Add brown materials such as dry leaves, dry straw or shredded paper.

“It’s Worth the Time!”

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

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

Any Questions

Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Solid Waste ServicesWaste Reduction and Recycling Section

101 Monroe Street, 6th FloorRockville, MD 20850

240-777-6400 (Phone)240-777-6442 (TTY)240-777-6465 (Fax)

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling

recycle@mongtomerycountymd.gov