Answers to all your composting questions

What is Composting?

Compost is organic matter, such as garden waste or uncooked kitchen vegetable scraps, which decomposes to form a dark brown, soil-like material, rich in plant nutrients.

How can I benefit the environment by composting?

Composting is one of the few ways that organic waste can be reused instead of being thrown into landfill sites. By home composting we can reduce the amount of waste for disposal and save valuable landfill space, reducing refuse collection costs and landfill tax.

When organic material is sent to landfill it can cause a variety of problems. The organic material is pushed to the bottom of the landfill where it degrades and releases methane gas, a major contributor to global warming.

What are the advantages of composting?

It is estimated that up to one third of domestic waste is suitable for composting. When the compost is added to soil it improves the structure and increases the biological activity that is needed for a healthy plant to

How long does it take to make compost?

Making compost takes around 6-12months.

My compost bin smells horrible and it’s all soggy and slimy inside

This usually happens when there are too many ‘greens’ in the bin (eg. grass clipping). Mix in drier materials such as crumpled paper and card to balance out the compost.

Clouds of tiny black flies appear when I remove the lid on my bin

These are fruit flies and are totally harmless. They are most common in the summertime when there is a lot of kitchen waste in a heap. Try to bury the kitchen waste in the heap or cover it well with other materials, or leave the bin lid slightly ajar to allow fthe lies to escape.

There are rats in my compost bin

Has any meat or fat been accidentally added to the mix,because the strong smell of cooked food will attract rats? Also if the bin is situated near to a river bed this may attract rats. Stirring the compost regularly and giving the bin a regular tap will help keep the rats at bay.

Nothing is happening in my bin?

The ingredients in your bin are too tough and dry for the composting. Add in more ‘greens’ such as grass clippings and young plants and if necessary, water.

Also don’t forget to turn the compost regularly to let air in, air is an important part of the decomposition process.

There are slugs & white flies in my bin

This is perfectly normal and a natural part of the composting process. The composting process involves many creatures as well as bacteria while breaking down the ingredients.

I want to compost but I don’t have a garden

Have you ever considered a wormery? It is the perfect method if you don’t have a garden or if you have a small household where food scraps will be the major items composted.