Composting

We were given a worksheet on composting in class and I have learned a lot from it. Here are the main facts I have learned:

• Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic materials.
• There are 3 types of composting: Home composting (the natural degradation of household organic waste), Vermicomposting (earthworms and other small organisms help decompose household organic waste) and Heat-based composting (based in commercial facilities that increase the rate of degradation by using high temperatures).
• Worms are a composters best friend as they are key to the breakdown of the organic materials into a rich soil like product.
• Good quality compost is the result of:

1. The proper mixture of carbon and nitrogen sources.
2. Adequate amounts of moisture.
3. Oxygen.
4. Time.

• Composting works thanks to invertebrates, eg mites, beetles,  slugs, earwigs, woodlice and worms, fungi and bacteria in the compost. These need oxygen, moisture and the right conditions to form compost. They are naturally found in soil.
• Compost can be broken down into browns (leaves, straw, woody materials) and greens (grass, food scraps) The ideal ratio is 30 parts brown to 1 part green. Odour and other problems can occur if the ratio is not correct.
• The benefits of composting:

1. Instead of throwing organic materials away and clogging up space in landfill sites, they can be turned into a useful resource that can be used in gardens etc.
2. Decomposition of organic waste in landfill sites is bad for the environment as methane and greenhouse gases are produces, destroying the ozone layer.
3. It makes economic sense as less money is paid on waste transportation and disposal, fertilisers, and bin tags.

• A challenge of composting is trying to avoid pests and rodents. Composters do this by not putting meats, oils or fats in as they are difficult to compost and attract pests.
• If compost is used before it is mature the high temperatures could kill the plant life in which it is spread. It also encourages weed growth.
• Business', e.g. restaurants, are now getting involved in composting, saving them money.
• Compost is also being used to clean up land contaminated in one form or another, e.g. from fuel wastes.
• Here are some of the things you van compost:

1. Fruit and vegetable scraps
2. Tea bags
3. Wool and cotton rags
4. leaves
5. Egg shells
6. Sawdust
7. Fireplace ash
8. Non recyclable paper
9. Vacuum cleaner lint
10. Fish scraps
11. Grass/yard clippings
12. Coffee grounds with filters

• Here are some of the things to exclude:

1. Meats
2. Dairy foods
3. Bones
4. Fats
5. Pet excrement
6. Diseased plants
7. Grease
8. Oils (including peanut butter and mayonnaise)