Proper waste disposal is a critical issue that impacts the environment and human health. With increasing amounts of waste generated by modern societies, it is crucial to adopt sustainable waste management practices. There are various methods employed for waste disposal, each with its own pros and cons.
Various methods are employed for waste disposal, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One common approach is dumpster rentals, where businesses or households can rent large containers to collect and remove building site waste. While convenient, this method could be better for waste that can be recycled or reused through proper processing.
Another method that has gained popularity is composting, particularly for organic food waste. Composting is a natural process that breaks down organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and providing valuable fertilizer for gardening and agriculture. Composting food waste at home through a compost bin or pile is an excellent way to divert organic materials from landfills and contribute to sustainable waste management practices.
Think about how much food produce you throw away in a week, a month, a year; what if all this waste could be reduced and recycled from the comfort of your own home?
Here’s some tips to get you started on your own compost bin/pile at home.
- Buy a good compost bin
If you don’t want to build a compost heap you can use a compost bin instead. Compost bins are small and compact and are perfect for any sized garden.
- Pick the spot
You’ll need to place your compost bin in an area where moisture can drain away pretty easily, this also helps. Having drainage space also allows the worms to enter into your compost.
It is also advised that you place the compost bin upon some soil, so that your compost can switch nutrients and create much better compost in the end.
- Worms
The aim is to get the worms to do all the hard work within your composter, which is why it is so important to leave space for them to get in there. Worms can live their whole lives in the dark. They would absolutely adore living in a compost bin and spending their life eating through all your organic waste. They will turn your waste into liquid feel and compost. Worms, especially Maggots in compost are great for degrading what the desirable compost microorganisms may not be able to handle due to size or chemical composition.
- What to put in your compost bin
- Vegetable Peelings
- Paper Bags
- Fruit Waste
- Teabags
- Plant Prunings
- Grass Cuttings
- What not to put in your compost bin
- Meat
- Dairy Products
- Diseased Plants
- Dog Poop or Cat Litter
- Nappies
- Perennial weeds
- Weeds with seed heads
- Plastic, Glass and Metals (All should by recycled separately)
- Getting the balance
The aim is to get a good balance of ‘greens’ and ‘browns’. If you compost is too wet, add more browns and if it’s too dry add more ‘wets’. A good way to add air pockets and keep the compost healthy is to add scrunched up paper bags or cardboard into the mix.
- Turn regularly
You should turn your compost regularly to keep everything ticking along smoothly. It helps keep the air flowing through your compost. You can also mix the contents of your compost to add air pockets.
When your compost is ready it will be dark brown and soil-like at the bottom of your bin. It will be spongy in texture and be brimming with amazing nutrients. Spread your compost onto your flower beds to increase soil quality and reduce the needs for chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
