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Home Composting: How to compost at home
What is composting?
Composting is a process by which biodegradable material, such as garden and kitchen waste, is converted, in the presence of oxygen from the air, into compost. During the composting process, good bacteria and insects break down the organic waste using oxygen. The nutrient rich soil conditioner that is produced is then applied to improve the quality of soil.
Why compost at home?
- It reduces waste sent to landfill.
- It saves money by avoiding having to buy compost.
- It provides a free soil conditioner and helps soil retain moisture.
- It improves plant health and growth and can increase yields of fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs.
Home composting is easy. It is important that you have a 50/50 mix of both green and brown materials in your compost bin.
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Green materials
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Brown materials
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Where you can place your bin Place your compost bin on either bare soil or grass. This will allow helpful worms and other creatures get into your bin and help breakdown your kitchen and garden waste. Choose a location for your compost bin that is easy to get to all year round making it easier for you to add new materials. |
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How to start composting
Place a layer of brown materials at the bottom of the bin, such as branches and twigs. This will help the air to circulate at the bottom of the bin as more materials are added. |
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How long does it take?
Compost will usually take between 6 and 18 months to be produced. |
Order a Composting Bin From Waste Aware Scotland:Waste Aware Scotland is working with WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) to encourage people throughout the UK to home compost.Click here for home compost bins on offer in your area. |
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Balwant Singh Chadha
Barry McCulloch
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