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Composting

Composting is the biological decomposition of organic waste such as food or plant material by bacteria, fungi, worms and other organisms under controlled aerobic (occurring in the presence of oxygen) conditions. The end result of composting is an accumulation of partially decayed organic matter called humus. Composting with worms, also known as vermiculture, results in nutrient-loaded worm castings.

Why compost?

it's easy
creates a useful soil enricher
environmentally sound way of reducing yard waste by recycling it where it is generated

Some states, including Florida, have banned yard wastes from landfills because it takes up space. Yard waste is such materials as leaves, grass clippings, brush and prunings. Leaves and grass clippings can also be used as mulch in your garden or landscape. Yard waste that will be picked up should be bundled or bagged. It will be mulched and available for free at the:
Leveda Brown Environmental Park
5115 NE 63rd AVE
Gainesville, FL 32609
(352) 334-0172, please call first to conform if mulch is available

How does composting work?

Step 1: Choosing the right composting method for you

There are two kinds of composting, bin/pile composting and worm composting (vermiculture). The type of composter used should be the one that best suits your needs and capabilities.

Bin/pile composting

simply throw in organic materials as they become available around our home and yard
Learn about the right bin for you

Worm composting

Popular way to compost small amounts of food and paper wastes.
Read detailed instructions on how to build a worm bin

Step 2: Choosing the right location for your compost bin

Consider how you will get the raw materials to the pile and how the finished compost will be moved to the area it will be used.

Step 3: Decide what to compost

What goes in the bin?

To build a compost pile, simply alternate layers of browns and greens.

Greens:

Vegetable and food scraps
Fresh grass clippings and yard waste
Coffee gounds
Tea bags
Egg shells

Browns:

Dried leaves, grass, mulch or hay
Cardboard rolls
Sawdust
Lint
Newspaper (shredded)
Fireplace ashes
Hair/fur
Clean paper
Wool/cotton rags

Avoid:

Egg yolks (attracts vermin)
Meat (attracts flies and rodents)
Oils, grease (produce odor, attracts vermin)
Pesticides (can kill composting organisms)
Pet waste (can carry disease, attract flies

Step 4: The composting process

The compost pile should be periodically mixed to incorporate oxygen. Regularly check the internal temperature and turn over the mixture when it reaches 140° F.The compost pile should be built in layers 3-4 inches deep. Composting still happens if the pile is not turned, it just breaks down slowly.

Step 5: Using compost around your home

Once the composting process is complete, the result is a dark, nutrient-rich humus that has many uses:

Use it as a soil amendment and work a 1-3 inch layer into the garden soil.
Use it as mulch and apply a 2-3 inch layer on top of the existing soil
Use it as a potting mix and blend it with potting soil for container plants.