Composting at home

Home Composting

There is now a new current Discounted Bin scheme for Derbyshire Dales residents. For further details or to order a compost bin visit www.derbyshire.getcomposting.com (opens in a new window) or telephone 0844 5714444.

 Home composting advice is still available at www.recyclenow.com/home_composting (opens in a new window)

Five simple steps to get composting!

Step one - Placing your bin

It's best to site your bin on a level, well-drained spot. This allows excess water to drain out and makes it easier for helpful creatures such as worms to get in and get working on breaking down the contents. Placing your bin in a partially sunny spot can help speed up the composting process.

Step two - Put these in!

Like any recipe, your compost relies on the right ingredients to make it work. Good things you can compost include

The Greens:

These are quick to rot and provide important nitrogen and moisture

Such as :

• Vegetable peelings
• Fruit waste
• Teabags
• Plant prunings
• Grass cuttings

The Browns:

these are slower to rot. They provide fibre and carbon and also allow imporant air pockets to form in the mixture.

Things such as

• Cardboard egg boxes
• Scrunched up paper or newspaper
• Fallen leaves

Crushed eggshells can be included to add useful minerals.

Step three - Keep these out

Certain things should never be placed in your bin. No cooked vegetables, no meat, no diary products, no diseased plants, and definitely no dog poo or cat litter, or baby's nappies. Putting these in your bin can encourage unwanted pests can can also create odour. Also avoid composting perennial weeds (such as dandelions and thistle) or weeds with seed heads. Remember that plastics, glass and metals are not suitable for composting and should be recycled separately.

Step four - Making good compost

The key to good compost lies in getting the mix right. You need to keep your Greens and Browns properly balanced. If your compost is too wet, add more Browns. If it's too dry, add some Greens. Making sure there is enough air in the mixture is also important. Adding scrunched up bits of cardboard is a simple way to create air pockets that will help keep your compost healthy. Air can also be added by mixing the contents. After approximately 6-9 months your finished compost will be ready.

Step five - Using your compost

Finished compost is a dark brown, almost black soil-like layer that you'll find at the bottom of your bin. It has a spongy texture and is rich in nutrients. Some bins have a small hatch at the bottom that you can remove to get at the finished product, but sometimes it's even easier to lift the bin or to tip it over to get at your compost. Spreading the finished compost into your flowerbeds greatly improves soil quallity by helping it retain moisture and supressing weeds. Composting is the easiest way to make your garden grow more beautiful.

Watch our for composting events in your local area where you can view the bins and ask questions for advice, hints and tips.

For further advice, hints, tips and information please visit the recyclenow website (opens in a new window) or call 0845 6000323 or call the Environment Hotline on 01629 761215 or email environmenthotline@derbyshiredales.gov.uk.