Composting

Why Compost?
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of garbage generated annually in the United States is over 200 million tons!
Thanks to natural decomposition, food scraps and yard waste can be recycled at home. But, too much of our biodegradable, organic garbage just ends up in the trash. Composting is simple. Returning these organic materials to the soil perpetuates natural biological cycles and is an ecologically sensible means of using organic wastes. Composting provides for richer garden soil, improves the texture and aeration, increases the soil ’s ability to retain water, decreasing erosion. 

How Compost Forms?
Composting changes the nutrients in raw organic material to a form that can be absorbed by the roots of growing plants. Microorganisms such as soil bacteria and fungi accomplish this task by secreting enzymes that break down the material. The activity of these microorganisms can generate temperatures inside the compost pile in excess of 130 degrees F - hot enough to kill most weed seeds and disease organisms.

What Can You Compost?
Many types of organic materials can be used for composting. 

Compost Bins Available From Douglas County For Just $27.40
Douglas County has purchased a small quantity of compost bins and are offering them to residents and schools at cost, $27.40. This price includes an informative booklet titled "Backyard Composting Made Easy." The bin inludes a lid, holds 12 cubic feet of material, is made of 100% recycled material, and has a ten year warranty. The lid is made of recycled milk jugs and battery casings and is manufactured in Drain, OR. Please call 440-4350 if interested in purchasing one.

What Are The Different Types Of Enclosures?
A compost bin is not necessary but does make it easier to build and maintain a pile. Woven wire (chicken wire), cement blocks, lumber, snow fence, hay bales, or bricks can be used to enclose a compost heap. Whatever you use, make sure there is adequate air movement through the sides.
Construction of one removable wall allows easy access for turning the pile with a shovel or pitchfork. Some people build adjacent bins, turning the material from one to the other. 

A Crash Course in Composting Composting is like cooking, with many recipes and variations. Here is the basic approach: All composting “ingredients” generally fall under one of two categories: “browns” or “greens.” Browns are dry materials such as wood chips, dried leaves, grass and other plants. Greens are fresh, moist materials such as grass cuttings and food scraps (avoid meats, fats and grease). 

1. Collect as many browns and greens as you can to start your compost pile. Larger piles tend to hold moisture better and decompose faster. 
2. Place approximately equal amounts of browns and greens in a heap or bin. Always cover food scraps with other composting materials. 
3. Soak well with water to create uniform dampness (damp as a wrung out sponge). 
4. Cover pile with tarp or other material to keep moisture in and prevent soaking from rain.

• Chop materials into smaller pieces and moisten. 
• Alternate 3” to 6” layers of greens and browns. 
• Mix the pile by turning and stirring. 
• Soak the pile once a week. 
• For slower composting (3-6 months plus): 
• Just keep adding materials to the pile or bin and sprinkle it with water. It’s that simple!

• Odors? Turn and add brown materials. 
• Dry pile? Add water, greens and mix. 
• Fruit flies? Stir and add leaves or grass.

1. Just keep the heap/bin full!
The composting recycler may choose to simply add materials directly onto the pile as they are generated. For busy folks, this method works fine and compost does happen. The organic materials will greatly shrink in volume and after six months to a year the bottom portion of your pile will be rich, crumbly compost. So keep filling your bin, add water and relax!

2. The Layering Method.
Try one of the following Hot recipes!
Compost Cookbook

Ingredients

How Do You Use Compost?
Normally, compost will be ready to use in 4 to 6 months, depending on the types of organic materials used and the climatic conditions during the compost period. When the compost is broken down into a homogeneous mixture; no undercomposted leaves or other material may be seen; and the pile stops heating, it is ready to use.
Compost can be used as “top dressing” for lawns, for mulching around landscape and for garden plants or anywhere that additional soil is needed.

For more information on composting call or e-mail:
Terri Peterson, Manager
Douglas County Waste Reduction 
(541) 440-4350 or
(800) 224-1619 ext. 4350 

© 1997-1998 Douglas County Public Works Department Last modified:July 9, 1999.