Regional Environmental Council of Central Massachusetts

Urban Garden Resources of Worcester (UGROW) Program

Why compost at home?

Composting…

·          Reduces the amount of rubbish thrown away

·          Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers

·          Improves soil structure

·          Helps retain soil moisture

·          Feeds your plants and soil

Yard waste and food scraps make up 20% to 30% of garbage.  By composting yard and kitchen waste, you send less garbage to overcrowded landfills. 

Your wastes can become valuable resources!

 

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Recommendations on waste disposal:

 

·          Do not put meat or eggs in the pile, as this might attract rodents.

·          Be careful in the segregation of domestic waste.  Plastic bags, glass and metals can slow the process of fermentation and cause harm to people who are revolving the pile.

·          Avoid putting chemicals in your organic garbage container at home.

·          Shred leaves or big pieces of domestic waste such as rotten oranges.

·          Small amounts of lime may be added to aid in odor reductions.

·          Balance the types of materials you use.  Domestic waste is rich in Nitrogen and sometimes poor in Carbon.  A good balance between Nitrogen and Carbon is recommended to speed up the composting time and reduce problems with bad odors.  This can be done by having a good mix of dried or brown materials such as fall leaves, straw, etc., along with fresh or green materials such as grass clippings and vegetable kitchen waste.