The Benefits of Composting
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Why Compost?
- Compost is a rich, dark brown, soil-like material which can be made cheaply and easily from your garden waste and kitchen scraps. It is a complete and natural food for your garden which helps to add structure, nutrients and moisture to your soil.
- Compostable rubbish dumped in landfill produces the green house gas methane, which contributes to climate change and is explosive. Rubbish tips can also produce a liquid called ‘leachate’ which, unless properly managed, can seep into the surrounding land and pollute rivers and water courses. Reducing kitchen and garden waste by home composting can help lessen these environmental problems.
- Over 25% of your weekly rubbish could be composted in your backyard.
- Compost is an environmentally friendly alternative to artificial fertilisers and peat (now a dwindling resource).
- Composting at home cuts down on smoky garden bonfires which are polluting and create a nuisance.
- It’s absolutely free!
The Key to Composting
Tiny bacteria, micro-organisms and insects aid the process of decomposition. Keep these creatures are happy and they will make you great compost. They need...
- Moisture - The heap needs to be damp, like a wrung out sponge. If it is too wet add ‘brown’ material (see below). If it is too dry, water it!
- Warmth - Once the rubbish is inside the bin, creatures break down the materials and heat the heap from within. Place your bin on a level well drained spot in a partially sunny spot as this helps speed up the composting process.
- Oxygen - Oxygen is needed for the process - poke holes in the heap with the end of a broom handle or add scrunched up paper and cardboard to create air pockets (this also helps to soak up excess moisture).
- Food - Your heap needs a balanced diet. Mix dry, carbon-rich ‘brown’ materials such as paper, cardboard, straw, hay, egg boxes scrunched up paper and fallen leaves with sappy, moist, soft, nitrogen rich ‘green’ materials such as kitchen peelings, dead plants, fruit waste, teabags and soft prunings. To keep your compost healthy add scrunched up cardboard to create air pockets.
- Avoid putting these things in your bin – cooked vegetables, meat, dairy products, diseased plants, weeds, pet litter or baby’s nappies. Putting these in the bin can encourage unwanted pests and create odour.
Compost should be ready in approximately 6-9 months. Spread the finished compost over flowerbeds to improve soil quality.
Compost Bins
Most garden centres sell a range of compost bins in different sizes. Look out for bins that have been made from a high percentage of recycled plastic. Alternatively you could make your own compost heap from bits of wood with old pieces of carpet to help to keep the heat in. Larger garden waste can be taken to the new Household Waste Recycling Centre in Bolsover (Buttermilk Lane) or Stonegravels Household Waste Recycling Centre. See the Council's page on Household Waste Recycling Centres for more details. Alternatively you can use the Council’s garden waste service or twin bin scheme.
Ordering a Composter
WRAP (Waste Resources Action Programme) are offering discounted compost bins to Derbyshire residents and schools.
Composters are available to order at the prices below:
- Home - Prices are: £17.00 for a 220 litre barrel type composter and £20.00 for a 330 litre barrel type composter. Both of these bins are made from 75% recycled material.
- A 250 litre four sided composter with a hinged lid is also available at a price of £40. This bin is made from 100% recycled material.
You can download an order form at the bottom of the page or call the order-line on 0845 077 0757
All prices shown include delivery.
- Schools - if you would like to order a discounted compost bin for your school please contact Cheryl Woodruff at WRAP
Tel: 01629 580000 ext 7048
Email: Cheryl.woodruff@wrap.org.ukPrices are the same as those quoted above.
Wormeries
Wormeries are a different way to compost. Worms are incredibly efficient at breaking down decomposing materials such as kitchen scraps and other organic materials like those placed in an ordinary compost bin or heap. More information on wormeries and their benefits can be found on our wormeries page.
Twin Bin Scheme
If you are not able to have a compost bin or wormery, all properties in North East Derbyshire are now part of the twin bin scheme in which household/garden waste is separated in to recyclable and non-recyclable waste to help recycle even more domestic rubbish. The Green Bin can be used for household cardboard, vacuum bag contents and garden waste such as tree and plant prunings and grass cuttings.
If you have a general composting question then please call the advice line on 0845 600 0323
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