How does composting work?
Composting accelerates the natural process of decomposition to convert organic waste matter into a nutrient-rich soil you can use on your garden. Composting can be the perfect solution for most garden waste and food scraps that cannot be eaten, like eggs shells and banana peels, however it should generally be our last resort when it comes to food. Ideally we avoid food waste in the first place.
How to compost
- Choose a shady spot in your garden to start your compost heap or to position your compost bin
- Add to your compost in layers of food scraps, garden clippings and paper
- Keep your compost moist, but not wet, and aerate it about once a week
- When your compost is dark and crumbly dig it into your garden or spread it on top as mulch.
What you can put in your compost bin
Daily (nitrogen rich)
- bread (please note: bread may attract mice)
- egg shells
- fresh grass clippings
- human and animal hair
- manure
- old newspapers (wet)
- sawdust (not from treated timber) and wood ash
- tea leaves, tea bags and coffee grounds
- used vegetable cooking oil
- vacuum cleaner dust
- weeds
- vegetable and fruit peelings and scraps
Weekly (carbon rich)
- bark
- cane mulch
- dry grass clippings
- dry leaves
- egg cartons
- hay
- paper
- shredded paper and cardboard
- straw
- tree prunings
Other useful ingredients
- blood and bone
- dolomite
- dynamic lifter
- lime
- soil
- wood ash
What you cannot put in your compost bin
Avoid the following items to keep your compost healthy.
- bread or cake (may attract mice)
- dairy products
- diseased plant material
- fat
- large branches
- magazines
- meat scraps and bones (Bokashi bins can accept these)
- metals, plastic and glass
- pet droppings
Compost troubleshooting
Smelly = too wet, not enough air, too acidic
Solution = add dry material, turn heap, add lime
Slow = not enough air, no active ingredients
Solution = turn heap, add water, add manure
Maggots = faeces, seafood, meats, fats
Solution = cover with lime or soil
Vermin = breads, grains, too dry
Solution = remove, cover entry with wire, turn heap, moisten
What to do with your compost
The type of composting option you choose will affect the time it takes to produce some great compost you can use on plants and gardens, mixed with soil or as mulch. If you don’t have a garden, try mixing compost with soil in pot plants. Some council areas also have community composting sites – check with your local council. Alternatively see if family, friends or neighbours would like some compost for their gardens.