Food and garden waste, also known as FOGO (food organics/garden organics) poses a number of issues when placed in the kerbside bin. At present, close to half the volume of our kerbside waste bins in Hinchinbrook contain 'green' waste. This takes up unnecessary space in our local landfill, and when buried produces methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. By taking FOGO out of the bin and composting it instead, we can all help to take pressure off our landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create amazingly rich soil for use at home.
What is Composting?
Composting creates the ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms to break down organic matter. This means adequate moisture (but not too wet), good aeration and a pH close to neutral. Hinchinbrook Shire Council is committed to reduce waste and composting reduces the amount of organic waste going into landfill. By composting your food scraps and green waste, you are converting it into soil which is a useful by product that is ideal for a garden fertiliser. It is also improving water retention and protects against erosion. Although it may sound complicated, composting is very simple. There are a range of steps to follow to successful do Home Composting.
How to start Composting at Home
Step 1
Choose a warm position outside where the compost has direct contact with dirt or soil. You can buy a compost bin, or you can build a simple heap out of scrap material. The secret is to make sure you have provided food for the bacteria, and the bacteria has enough air (by turning the heap). Place coarse twigs on the bottom of the compost to help with drainage and air flow.
Step 2
Don't forget to chop large pieces into smaller pieces. The smaller the material you add, the quicker the decomposition. You can chop large pieces with a spade or if you can afford it, buy a mulcher.
Step 3
Organise your organic waste in a bin or pile. Put fruit and vegetable scraps on the compost heap, but NO meat, bread or dairy products.
Step 4
Layer your compost, alternating between nitrogen-rich green layers (e.g. lawn clippings, weeds, kitchen scraps, manure) and carbon-rich brown layers (e.g. dried leaves, branches, straw, shredded paper, eggshells).
Step 5
Keep your pile moist (not soaking wet) with tea and coffee grounds, or water.
Step 6
Ensure your pile is aerated by turning it with a garden fork or compost turner to allow air in.
Step 7
Keep your pile covered – this will ensure it doesn’t dry out or get too soggy in the rain and help prevent pests.
Good ingredients for Composting
- Fruit and vegetable peels and scraps;
- Rotten fruit and veggies;
- Houseplant trimmings;
- Coffee grounds and paper filters;
- Tea leaves;
- Eggshells;
- Nutshells (apart from walnuts);
- Hair and fur;
- Paper, cardboard, and shredded newspaper;
- Napkins, paper towels, and unused toilet paper;
- Grass clippings;
- Leaves;
- Flowers;
- Sawdust; and
- Wood chips.
What not to compost
- Pet waste such as feces or litter (it may contain harmful bacteria or parasites);
- Bones or scraps from meat, fish and poultry (it produces odor and attracts pests);
- Dairy products (it produces odor and attracts pests);
- Weeds (may spread disease);
- Walnuts (it releases a compound that’s toxic to plants);
- Coal ash or charcoal (it contains compounds that may harm plants).
- Large pieces (it may take a long time to decompose);
- Fat, cooking oil and grease (it produces odor and attracts pests
- Pesticide-treated lawn trimmings (it may kill microorganisms needed for the composting process);
- Coffee pods (they most contain plastic and don’t break down naturally); and
- Baked goods (it may attract pests and increase the growth of harmful bacteria).