RRFB Resources - Guide To Composting

Mastering The Process

Here are a few handy hints that will make composting even easier and produce your compost faster.

Collect your kitchen scraps in a counter container

By re-using an empty ice cream or large margarine container, you can have a handy counter-top or under-the-sink organics storage system. When you are cutting vegetables, just put the scraps into the container, put the lid on it and save. At the end of the day, or even a couple of days, take the material out and toss it into your composter (remembering to cover with some leaves of other browns). Give the container a rinse under the tap and it is ready for the next day.

You can also collect plate scrappings, too-old leftovers, eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds, etc. Remember, however, not to put meat, dairy or oily materials in your container. These substances take too long to break down and can attract animals to your compost pile.

Break down twigs and larger pieces

Larger pieces of twigs and branches can take a long time to break down. If you break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the pile, you will allow them to compost much quicker. Chopping up large Greens (e.g. broccoli stems, watermelon rinds,etc.) also speeds up the process.

Keep a pile of leaves separate and handy

It is always handy to have some extra Browns around, and dry leaves provide a good source of Browns. You can add some as cover each time you add some kitchen scraps. You can use them to recover the pile after turning. And you can add leaves to absorb excess moisture if your pile gets too wet. Dry leaves can be kept that way by storing in a plastic garbage bag right beside you compost bin.

Two bins are better than one

Consider getting a second compost bin. You can then have one for fresh material and another to allow your compost to age before putting it in your garden.

Watch Out! You might get hooked!

Many avid gardeners, who have discovered for themselves the tremendous benefits of composting, work with the three-bin system. The first bin is for fresh material, the second for material that is still actively composting and the third is for aging their compost. Often these folks actively solicit compostable materials from neighbours or local stores or farms. Watch out, or you too may become addicted to the "high" of turning garbage into "black gold".