For further information on composting, wormeries and management facilities in County Laois, please contact:

Environment Awareness Officer Laois County Council Áras an Chontae Portlaoise Co Laois Tel: 057 8674322

www.raceagainstwaste.ie

Printed on recycled paper. A guide to Household Composting Produced by Probe Marketing. Email: [email protected]

LaoisCompostBook.indd 2 17/08/06 12:02:21 WhyWhy ComCompost?post? HowHow toto ststarartt comcompostingposting TuTurnrn ToTo BuildBuild oror toto BuyBuy -- tthathat isis tthehe Question!Question! ThenThen fold fold up up the the excess excess bird bird cage cage wire wire around around the the base of the bin – this will ensure the area CompostingComposting isis anan easyeasy wayway toto recrecycleycle CompostCompost bins bins are are available available to to purchase purchase from from Laois Laois County County base of the compost bin – this will ensure the area aroundaround the the compost compost bin bin is is knaw knaw proof proof and and you you intintoo youryour gardengarden andand kitchenkitchen rubbish.rubbish. CouncilCouncil or or at at your your local local garden garden centre/hardware centre/hardware store. store. should not have a problem with rodents around your TheThe price price can can vary vary depending depending on on the the size size of of the the compost compost should not have a problem with rodents around your It provides a useful means of bin. Try to use straw or torn cardboard at the base of It provides a useful means of binbin required. required. bin. Try to use straw or torn cardboard at the base of TTableable ofof contentcontentss youryour compost compost bin bin – – this this will will be be a a good good activator activator and and will will transformingtransforming biodegradablebiodegradable waste,waste, suchsuch LaoisLaois County County Council Council stock stock compost compost bins bins which which are are large large 11 WhyWhy compostcompost helphelp to to start start your your materials materials breaking breaking down down immediately immediately.. asas fruit,fruit, vegetables,vegetables, teabagsteabags andand gardengarden enoughenough for for a a family family of of 4-5 4-5 people people (approximately (approximately 240 240 litres)litres) and and are are made made from from 1 100%00% rec recycledycled plastic. plastic. 22 HowHow toto startstart CompostingComposting waste,waste, intointo aa productproduct thatthat cancan improveimprove soilsoil structurestructure andand nutrientnutrient levels.levels. EvenEven 22 It’sIt’s allall inin thethe mixmix –– howhow toto ifif youyou areare notnot intointo gardening,gardening, youyou areare makmakee goodgood compostcompost reducingreducing thethe amountamount ofof wastewaste thatthat goesgoes 33 What'sWhat's goodgood && what'swhat's badbad toto landfilllandfill soso youyou areare stillstill helpinghelping thethe toto compost?compost? environmentenvironment asas wellwell asas youryour pockpocket!et! ItIt isis veryvery easyeasy toto learnlearn howhow toto compostcompost DependingDepending on on the the size size of of your your garden garden and and the the amount amount of of 44 StagesStages ofof compostingcomposting time you want to invest in your DIY project, compost bins ThenThen itit’s’s allall inin tthehe Mix!Mix! – read on to find out more… time you want to invest in your DIY project, compost bins – read on to find out more… havehave been been successfully successfully built built using using pallets, pallets, wire wire and and wooden wooden GetGet the the balance balance right right between between ‘green ‘’ waste’ and and 44 TheThe finishedfinished productproduct postsposts etc. etc. If If you you are are keen keen to to build build your your own, own, simply simply contact contact ‘brown‘brown waste’ waste’ i.e. i.e. (nitrogen (nitrogen and and carbon carbon rich rich materials). materials). thethe Environment Environment Section Section of of Laois Laois County County Council Council who who will will BrownBrown materials materials are are usually usually dry dry and and include include eggshells, eggshells, 55 QuestionsQuestions forfor DoctorDoctor CompostCompost TheThe ScienceScience BitBit…… provideprovide you you with with further further details details (contact (contact details details are are on on the the sawdustsawdust and and wood wood shavings, shavings, cardboard, cardboard, dry dry leaves, leaves, backback cover). cover). Alternatively, Alternatively, gardening gardening books books now now have have strawstraw and and hair hair. .Brown Brown materials materials are are slow slow to to rot rot and and CompostingComposting isis aa naturalnatural process,process, soso natural,natural, 66 TipsTips forfor BetterBetter CompostingComposting informationinformation on on how how to to build build your your own own compost compost bin bin – – the the areare rich rich in in carbon. carbon. itit happenshappens everydayeveryday aroundaround you.you. OrganicOrganic majority of this information is also available on-line. majority of this information is also available on-line. GreenGreen materials materials are are usually usually moist moist and and include include materialsmaterials rotrot oror biodegradebiodegrade naturallynaturally intointo aa Location,Location, Location,Location, LocationLocation –– greengreen leaves, leaves, grass grass cuttings, cuttings, vegetable vegetable and and fruit fruit brown/blackbrown/black crumblycrumbly materialmaterial thatthat cancan bebe wherewhere toto instinstallall yyourour compostcompost bin?bin? peelings,peelings, tea tea bags, bags, and and flowers. flowers. Green Green materials materials usedused inin youryour gardengarden asas aa soilsoil improverimprover oror act as a natural activator and help to speed up the LocLocateate the the compost compost bin bin (or (or heap) heap) in in a a position position that that is is act as a natural activator and help to speed up the natural fertiliser. This change occurs thanks composting process. natural fertiliser. This change occurs thanks convenientconvenient to to your your house house — — make make using using it it easy easy for for yourself! yourself! composting process. to the ‘breakdown gang’ of insects, worms A good mix of browns and greens achieves the best to the ‘breakdown gang’ of insects, worms TrTryy to to choose choose a a sunny sunny spot spot and and the the soil soil should should be be free free A good mix of browns and greens achieves the best balance and also helps with the aeration and amount (‘(‘chompers’),chompers’), fungifungi andand bacteria.bacteria. ThenThen otherother draining.draining. This This will will ensure ensure your your compost compost will will be be moist moist but but balance and also helps with the aeration and amount of water in the pile. Too much of one or the other and microorganismsmicroorganisms (‘heaters’),(‘heaters’), whichwhich thethe wellwell aerated aerated and and will will encourage encourage insect insect activity activity and and of water in the pile. Too much of one or the other and you won’t make good compost. For best results place humanhuman eyeeye cannotcannot seesee butbut livelive inin thethe soil,soil, ultimatelyultimately better better compost. compost. (In (In hot hot countries, countries, compost compost you won’t make good compost. For best results place thethe ‘greens’ ‘greens’ and and ‘browns’ ‘browns’ in in alternate alternate layers layers about about ten ten startstart theirtheir work.work. TheirTheir combinedcombined effortsefforts binsbins can can overheat overheat and and dry dry out out – – something something that that we we do do not have to worry about!) Loosen up the soil first and inchesinches thick. thick. helphelp turnturn spoilspoil intointo soil.soil. not have to worry about!) Loosen up the soil first and placeplace bird bird cage cage wire wire on on the the ground ground (this (this is is available available from from ItIt is is important important to to get get the the mix mix right right – – usually usually 1 1/3/3 mostmost hardware hardware and and DIY DIY stores) stores) and and locate locate the the compost compost nitrogennitrogen (green) (green) material material and and 2/3 2/3 carbon carbon (brown) (brown) binbin on on top top of of this. this. materialmaterial gives gives the the best best results. results.

1

LaoisCompostBook.indd 3 17/08/06 12:02:26 WhyWhy ComCompost?post? HowHow toto ststarartt comcompostingposting TuTurnrn ToTo BuildBuild oror toto BuyBuy -- tthathat isis tthehe Question!Question! ThenThen fold fold up up the the excess excess bird bird cage cage wire wire around around the the base of the compost bin – this will ensure the area CompostingComposting isis anan easyeasy wayway toto recrecycleycle CompostCompost bins bins are are available available to to purchase purchase from from Laois Laois County County base of the compost bin – this will ensure the area aroundaround the the compost compost bin bin is is knaw knaw proof proof and and you you intintoo youryour gardengarden andand kitchenkitchen rubbish.rubbish. CouncilCouncil or or at at your your local local garden garden centre/hardware centre/hardware store. store. should not have a problem with rodents around your TheThe price price can can vary vary depending depending on on the the size size of of the the compost compost should not have a problem with rodents around your It provides a useful means of bin. Try to use straw or torn cardboard at the base of It provides a useful means of binbin required. required. bin. Try to use straw or torn cardboard at the base of TTableable ofof contentcontentss youryour compost compost bin bin – – this this will will be be a a good good activator activator and and will will transformingtransforming biodegradablebiodegradable waste,waste, suchsuch LaoisLaois County County Council Council stock stock compost compost bins bins which which are are large large 11 WhyWhy compostcompost helphelp to to start start your your materials materials breaking breaking down down immediately immediately.. asas fruit,fruit, vegetables,vegetables, teabagsteabags andand gardengarden enoughenough for for a a family family of of 4-5 4-5 people people (approximately (approximately 240 240 litres)litres) and and are are made made from from 1 100%00% rec recycledycled plastic. plastic. 22 HowHow toto startstart CompostingComposting waste,waste, intointo aa productproduct thatthat cancan improveimprove soilsoil structurestructure andand nutrientnutrient levels.levels. EvenEven 22 It’sIt’s allall inin thethe mixmix –– howhow toto ifif youyou areare notnot intointo gardening,gardening, youyou areare makmakee goodgood compostcompost reducingreducing thethe amountamount ofof wastewaste thatthat goesgoes 33 What'sWhat's goodgood && what'swhat's badbad toto landfilllandfill soso youyou areare stillstill helpinghelping thethe toto compost?compost? environmentenvironment asas wellwell asas youryour pockpocket!et! ItIt isis veryvery easyeasy toto learnlearn howhow toto compostcompost DependingDepending on on the the size size of of your your garden garden and and the the amount amount of of 44 StagesStages ofof compostingcomposting time you want to invest in your DIY project, compost bins ThenThen itit’s’s allall inin tthehe Mix!Mix! – read on to find out more… time you want to invest in your DIY project, compost bins – read on to find out more… havehave been been successfully successfully built built using using pallets, pallets, wire wire and and wooden wooden GetGet the the balance balance right right between between ‘green ‘green waste’ waste’ and and 44 TheThe finishedfinished productproduct postsposts etc. etc. If If you you are are keen keen to to build build your your own, own, simply simply contact contact ‘brown‘brown waste’ waste’ i.e. i.e. (nitrogen (nitrogen and and carbon carbon rich rich materials). materials). thethe Environment Environment Section Section of of Laois Laois County County Council Council who who will will BrownBrown materials materials are are usually usually dry dry and and include include eggshells, eggshells, 55 QuestionsQuestions forfor DoctorDoctor CompostCompost TheThe ScienceScience BitBit…… provideprovide you you with with further further details details (contact (contact details details are are on on the the sawdustsawdust and and wood wood shavings, shavings, cardboard, cardboard, dry dry leaves, leaves, backback cover). cover). Alternatively, Alternatively, gardening gardening books books now now have have strawstraw and and hair hair. .Brown Brown materials materials are are slow slow to to rot rot and and CompostingComposting isis aa naturalnatural process,process, soso natural,natural, 66 TipsTips forfor BetterBetter CompostingComposting informationinformation on on how how to to build build your your own own compost compost bin bin – – the the areare rich rich in in carbon. carbon. itit happenshappens everydayeveryday aroundaround you.you. OrganicOrganic majority of this information is also available on-line. majority of this information is also available on-line. GreenGreen materials materials are are usually usually moist moist and and include include materialsmaterials rotrot oror biodegradebiodegrade naturallynaturally intointo aa Location,Location, Location,Location, LocationLocation –– greengreen leaves, leaves, grass grass cuttings, cuttings, vegetable vegetable and and fruit fruit brown/blackbrown/black crumblycrumbly materialmaterial thatthat cancan bebe wherewhere toto instinstallall yyourour compostcompost bin?bin? peelings,peelings, tea tea bags, bags, and and flowers. flowers. Green Green materials materials usedused inin youryour gardengarden asas aa soilsoil improverimprover oror act as a natural activator and help to speed up the LocLocateate the the compost compost bin bin (or (or heap) heap) in in a a position position that that is is act as a natural activator and help to speed up the natural fertiliser. This change occurs thanks composting process. natural fertiliser. This change occurs thanks convenientconvenient to to your your house house — — make make using using it it easy easy for for yourself! yourself! composting process. to the ‘breakdown gang’ of insects, worms A good mix of browns and greens achieves the best to the ‘breakdown gang’ of insects, worms TrTryy to to choose choose a a sunny sunny spot spot and and the the soil soil should should be be free free A good mix of browns and greens achieves the best balance and also helps with the aeration and amount (‘(‘chompers’),chompers’), fungifungi andand bacteria.bacteria. ThenThen otherother draining.draining. This This will will ensure ensure your your compost compost will will be be moist moist but but balance and also helps with the aeration and amount of water in the pile. Too much of one or the other and microorganismsmicroorganisms (‘heaters’),(‘heaters’), whichwhich thethe wellwell aerated aerated and and will will encourage encourage insect insect activity activity and and of water in the pile. Too much of one or the other and you won’t make good compost. For best results place humanhuman eyeeye cannotcannot seesee butbut livelive inin thethe soil,soil, ultimatelyultimately better better compost. compost. (In (In hot hot countries, countries, compost compost you won’t make good compost. For best results place thethe ‘greens’ ‘greens’ and and ‘browns’ ‘browns’ in in alternate alternate layers layers about about ten ten startstart theirtheir work.work. TheirTheir combinedcombined effortsefforts binsbins can can overheat overheat and and dry dry out out – – something something that that we we do do not have to worry about!) Loosen up the soil first and inchesinches thick. thick. helphelp turnturn spoilspoil intointo soil.soil. not have to worry about!) Loosen up the soil first and placeplace bird bird cage cage wire wire on on the the ground ground (this (this is is available available from from ItIt is is important important to to get get the the mix mix right right – – usually usually 1 1/3/3 mostmost hardware hardware and and DIY DIY stores) stores) and and locate locate the the compost compost nitrogennitrogen (green) (green) material material and and 2/3 2/3 carbon carbon (brown) (brown) binbin on on top top of of this. this. materialmaterial gives gives the the best best results. results.

Laois County Council 2

LaoisCompostBook.indd 4 17/08/06 12:02:32

Laois County Council What’s Good & What’s Bad? Stages of composting The compost process can take anything from 2 months to 2 years and depends largely on what materials are being placed in the compost bin and how much time you devote to it! Generally, the more effort that you put in, What can you compost the quicker you will get compost. The composting process occurs in 3 stages: GREEN WASTE BROWN WASTE Stage 1: Degradation 70ºC 60ºC The ‘breakdown gang’ feed on the materials placed in the compost bin. As they continually Fruit & Vegetables Kitchen Paper feed and multiply they raise the temperature to between 60 – 70°c. This process continues Tea Leaves/Bags & Coffee Grounds Straw every time when a new batch of materials is added to the compost bin. Stage 2: Conversion Garden Waste Wood, Twigs & Branches 50ºC (in small pieces) As the materials are beginning to biodegrade, temperature within the compost bin begins to 40ºC Leaves (Green & Brown ones) drop (at the end of the degradation phase). Other micro-organisms, which work at lower temperatures, move in to complete the job. This generally occurs at the bottom of the bin as it Some Weeds Crushed Egg Shells works predominantly on the materials left the longest.

Dead Plants and Flowers Cardboard Egg Boxes Stage 3: Maturation Grass & Hedge Cuttings This is the final stage in the compost process. The compost that is produced should be a brown colour. Home produced compost differs slightly in appearance from shop/garden centre purchased compost and is ready for use when there are hardly any traces of the original materials left. What not to compost and why A garden sieve may be used at this stage to separate larger compost from smaller size compost. Remember to place the larger pieces Raw & Cooked Meat, Bones May attract pests back into compost bin to continue composting. May attract pests Poultry & Fish The finished product May attract pests Dairy Produce The brown/green mix previously mentioned usually gives the best results. Greasy Oily Food (eg: butter mayonnaise) May attract pests But as with most things, getting the correct mix comes with experience! When compost is ready to use you will not be able to recognise any of the Dog & Cat May contain pathogens which are original ingredients – this usually takes approximately 1-2 years (although it disease causing organisms may take shorter or longer depending on the ‘mix’ of materials going in the Plastics, Glass, Cans etc. Will not decompose/biodegrade compost bin). It should be dark brown/black and feel like topsoil in your own garden. To harvest your finished compost, simply open the lid at the base of Glossy Papers/Magazines The glossy coating will not decompose the compost bin and shovel it out. Replace the lid when you are finished. Use your compost as mulch around plants, as a top dressing over your lawn Some may thrive in heated conditions Weed Seeds to fertilise the soil or as a soil improver in vegetable or flower beds. Diseased Plants Danger of spreading diseases to other plants Disposable Nappies Could contain pathogens

3

LaoisCompostBook.indd 5 17/08/06 12:02:35 What’s Good & What’s Bad? Stages of composting The compost process can take anything from 2 months to 2 years and depends largely on what materials are being placed in the compost bin and how much time you devote to it! Generally, the more effort that you put in, What can you compost the quicker you will get compost. The composting process occurs in 3 stages: GREEN WASTE BROWN WASTE Stage 1: Degradation 70ºC 60ºC The ‘breakdown gang’ feed on the materials placed in the compost bin. As they continually Fruit & Vegetables Kitchen Paper feed and multiply they raise the temperature to between 60 – 70°c. This process continues Tea Leaves/Bags & Coffee Grounds Straw every time when a new batch of materials is added to the compost bin. Stage 2: Conversion Garden Waste Wood, Twigs & Branches 50ºC (in small pieces) As the materials are beginning to biodegrade, temperature within the compost bin begins to 40ºC Leaves (Green & Brown ones) drop (at the end of the degradation phase). Other micro-organisms, which work at lower temperatures, move in to complete the job. This generally occurs at the bottom of the bin as it Some Weeds Crushed Egg Shells works predominantly on the materials left the longest.

Dead Plants and Flowers Cardboard Egg Boxes Stage 3: Maturation Grass & Hedge Cuttings This is the final stage in the compost process. The compost that is produced should be a brown colour. Home produced compost differs slightly in appearance from shop/garden centre purchased compost and is ready for use when there are hardly any traces of the original materials left. What not to compost and why A garden sieve may be used at this stage to separate larger compost from smaller size compost. Remember to place the larger pieces Raw & Cooked Meat, Bones May attract pests back into compost bin to continue composting. May attract pests Poultry & Fish The finished product May attract pests Dairy Produce The brown/green mix previously mentioned usually gives the best results. Greasy Oily Food (eg: butter mayonnaise) May attract pests But as with most things, getting the correct mix comes with experience! When compost is ready to use you will not be able to recognise any of the Dog & Cat Litter May contain pathogens which are original ingredients – this usually takes approximately 1-2 years (although it disease causing organisms may take shorter or longer depending on the ‘mix’ of materials going in the Plastics, Glass, Cans etc. Will not decompose/biodegrade compost bin). It should be dark brown/black and feel like topsoil in your own garden. To harvest your finished compost, simply open the lid at the base of Glossy Papers/Magazines The glossy coating will not decompose the compost bin and shovel it out. Replace the lid when you are finished. Use your compost as mulch around plants, as a top dressing over your lawn Some may thrive in heated conditions Weed Seeds to fertilise the soil or as a soil improver in vegetable or flower beds. Diseased Plants Danger of spreading diseases to other plants Disposable Nappies Could contain pathogens

Laois County Council 4

LaoisCompostBook.indd 6 17/08/06 12:02:40

Laois County Council QuestionsQuestions forfor DrDr.. ComCompospostt 1.1. Don'tDon't throw throw away away your your kitchen kitchen scraps – – add add them them to to the the compost compost pile. pile. Kitchen Kitchen Q:Q: WhichWhich compostcompost binbin isis thethe Q:Q: WhyWhy isis mymy compostcompost smelly?smelly? scrapsscraps are are typically typically high high in in nitrogen, nitrogen, which which helps helps heat heat up up the the compost compost pile pile and and rightright oneone toto use?use? speedspeed up up the the composting composting process. process. A:A: SmellsSmells may may occur occur due due to to the the lack lack of of air air in in your your 2.2. IfIf you're you're composting composting with with a a compost compost pile, pile, bigger bigger is is often often bette better.r .Heat Heat builds builds up up A:A: LaoisLaois County County Council Council sell sell compost compost bins bins at at a a compostcompost bin bin (caused (caused by by the the compost compost being being too too w withith a a big big pile. pile. Y Youou don't don't want want to to get get much much bigger bigger than than about about 3 3 feet feet by by 3 3 feet feet.. reducedreduced price price to to the the public. public. When When purchasing purchasing a a w wetet or or too too compacted). compacted). To To overcome overcome this, this, loosen loosen bin,bin, it it is is important important to to consider consider the the amount amount of of youryour compost compost with with a a fork fork or or stick. stick. Alternatively, Alternatively, 3.3. KeepKeep your your compost compost aerated aerated – – be be sure sure to to mix mix up up the the contents contents so so t hatthat the the pile pile gets gets w wasteaste that that your your household household produces produces (depends (depends crumplecrumple up up some some newspaper newspaper sheets sheets to to oxygenoxygen and and can can break break down down effectively effectively. . introduceintroduce air air pockets pockets into into your your compost compost bin. bin. uponupon the the size size of of your your family, family, garden garden size/type). size/type). 4.4. Don'tDon't let let the the compost compost completely completely dry dry out. out. A A compost compost pile pile needs needs moisture moisture to to keep keep CompostCompost containers containers vary vary in in shape, shape, size size and and thethe composting composting process process active. active. eveneven colour colour. .Generally Generally an an average average sized sized family family Q:Q: II havehave aa problemproblem withwith fliesflies inin mymy (4(4 to to 5 5 people) people) may may use use a a 240ltr 240ltr compost compost bin bin compostcompost bin?bin? 5.5. Don'tDon't have have compost compost that that is is too too wet/soggy wet/soggy – – it it will will start start to to sme smell.ll. successfullysuccessfully. .However, However, if if you you have have a a larger larger 6.6. TToooo much much of of any any one one material material will will slow slow down down the the composting composting proce process.ss. If If you you have have WhenWhen using using your your compost compost bin bin during during fine fine garden/orgarden/or a a large large volume volume of of grass grass and and are are A:A: allall leaves, leaves, all all grass grass clippings clippings or or an an overload overload of of any any other other sin singlegle type type of of material, material, it it interestedinterested in in getting getting ideas ideas on on how how to to build build w weathereather or or summer summer months, months, little little flies flies may may cancan throw throw off off the the balance balance of of the the pile. pile. In In gener general,al, it's it's good good to to keep keep a a mix mix of of green green yourGrassyourGrass own own &bin &bin Hedge Hedgecontact contact the the CuttingsCuttings Environment Environment greetgreet you you as as soon soon as as you you open open the the lid. lid. These These andand brown brown material. material. AwarenessAwareness Officer Officer of of Laois Laois County County Council. Council. areare generally generally fruit fruit flies flies and and are are present present to to feed feed onon the the top top layer layer of of fruit fruit or or vegetables vegetables in in your your 7.7. DuringDuring colder colder weather, weather, place place an an old old piece piece of of c carpetarpet or or blanket blanket on on top top of of the the m materialsaterials inside inside the the bin. bin. Simply Simply lift lift up up the the carpet carpet every every time time you you want want to to add add new new Q:Q: WhyWhy isis mymy compostcompost tootoo wet?wet? compostcompost bin. bin. All All you you have have to to do do is is either either m materialsaterials in in the the compost compost bin bin and and then then place place it it back back over over them them prior prior to to closing closing the the lid. lid. putput a a layer layer of of newspaper newspaper or or some some grass grass over over the the ThisThis will will maintain maintain the the high high temperature temperature needed needed in in the the composting composting process process.. A:A: Sometimes,Sometimes, especially especially if if you you are are new new to to the the fruitfruit / / vegetables vegetables and and your your fly fly problem problem should should compostingcomposting process, process, you you might might not not get get the the mix mix disappear,disappear, as as they they do do not not want want to to dig dig for for food. food. 8.8. AlternativelyAlternatively wrap wrap plastic plastic around around the the bin bin or or compost compost heap, heap, this this will will act act as as an an rightright the the first first time. time. If If your your compost compost appears appears too too insulationinsulation material material and and help help the the materials materials biodegrade biodegrade quickly quickly in in the the compost compost wetwet or or a a liquid liquid may may leak leak out out from from the the bottom bottom of of bin/heapbin/heap as as the the required required temperature temperature will will be be sustained sustained for for a a longer longer period. period. youryour compost compost container container it it means means that that you you are are 9.9. RememberRemember to to keep keep the the lid lid on on your your compost compost bin bin closed closed at at all all time timess – – this this will will help help addingadding in in too too many many ‘green’ ‘green’ materials materials that that are are toto keep keep the the heat heat in in and and maintain maintain the the composting composting process. process. richrich in in nitrogen. nitrogen. It It is is simple simple to to overcomeovercome this, this, simply simply add add more more InterInterestedested inin ttakingaking itit aa stepstep furfurtther?her? ‘brown’‘brown’ materials materials that that are are rich rich in in carbon carbon LotsLots of of gardeners gardeners are are taking taking composting composting a a step step further further by by using using worms worms to to ‘ eat’‘eat’ their their food food (refer(refer to to page page 3 3 for for examples). examples). scraps.scraps. This This is is called called vermi-composting vermi-composting – – ‘vermi’ ‘vermi’ is is the the Latin Latin word word for for worm. worm. This This method method of of compostingcomposting is is much much quicker quicker as as finished finished compost compost can can be be produced produced in in 2 2 to to 3 3 months months but but vermi-composting vermi-composting cancan be be very very demanding demanding on on your your time time – – as as the the worms worms used used can can be be very very sensitive sensitive to to temper temperatureature changes changes (they (they hate hate extremeextreme heat heat and and extreme extreme cold cold conditions) conditions) and and the the type type of of food food you you give give them them to to eat. eat. TheThe liquid liquid fertiliser fertiliser produced produced is is called called worm worm tea. tea. This This is is a a very very nutrient nutrient rich rich fertiliser fertiliser and and will will need need to to be be diluted diluted prior prior toto placing placing it it on on plants/vegetables. plants/vegetables. IfIf you you are are interested interested in in finding finding out out more more please please contact contact the the Environment Environment Awareness Awareness Officer Officer or or log log onto onto www www.laois.ie.laois.ie

5 Laois County Council 6

LaoisCompostBook.indd 7 17/08/06 12:02:49

Laois County Council QuestionsQuestions forfor DrDr.. ComCompospostt 1.1. Don'tDon't throw throw away away your your kitchen kitchen scraps scraps – – add add them them to to the the compost compost pile. pile. Kitchen Kitchen Q:Q: WhichWhich compostcompost binbin isis thethe Q:Q: WhyWhy isis mymy compostcompost smelly?smelly? scrapsscraps are are typically typically high high in in nitrogen, nitrogen, which which helps helps heat heat up up the the compost compost pile pile and and rightright oneone toto use?use? speedspeed up up the the composting composting process. process. A:A: SmellsSmells may may occur occur due due to to the the lack lack of of air air in in your your 2.2. IfIf you're you're composting composting with with a a compost compost pile, pile, bigger bigger is is often often bette better.r .Heat Heat builds builds up up A:A: LaoisLaois County County Council Council sell sell compost compost bins bins at at a a compostcompost bin bin (caused (caused by by the the compost compost being being too too w withith a a big big pile. pile. Y Youou don't don't want want to to get get much much bigger bigger than than about about 3 3 feet feet by by 3 3 feet feet.. reducedreduced price price to to the the public. public. When When purchasing purchasing a a w wetet or or too too compacted). compacted). To To overcome overcome this, this, loosen loosen bin,bin, it it is is important important to to consider consider the the amount amount of of youryour compost compost with with a a fork fork or or stick. stick. Alternatively, Alternatively, 3.3. KeepKeep your your compost compost aerated aerated – – be be sure sure to to mix mix up up the the contents contents so so t hatthat the the pile pile gets gets w wasteaste that that your your household household produces produces (depends (depends crumplecrumple up up some some newspaper newspaper sheets sheets to to oxygenoxygen and and can can break break down down effectively effectively. . introduceintroduce air air pockets pockets into into your your compost compost bin. bin. uponupon the the size size of of your your family, family, garden garden size/type). size/type). 4.4. Don'tDon't let let the the compost compost completely completely dry dry out. out. A A compost compost pile pile needs needs moisture moisture to to keep keep CompostCompost containers containers vary vary in in shape, shape, size size and and thethe composting composting process process active. active. eveneven colour colour. .Generally Generally an an average average sized sized family family Q:Q: II havehave aa problemproblem withwith fliesflies inin mymy (4(4 to to 5 5 people) people) may may use use a a 240ltr 240ltr compost compost bin bin compostcompost bin?bin? 5.5. Don'tDon't have have compost compost that that is is too too wet/soggy wet/soggy – – it it will will start start to to sme smell.ll. successfullysuccessfully. .However, However, if if you you have have a a larger larger 6.6. TToooo much much of of any any one one material material will will slow slow down down the the composting composting proce process.ss. If If you you have have WhenWhen using using your your compost compost bin bin during during fine fine garden/orgarden/or a a large large volume volume of of grass grass and and are are A:A: allall leaves, leaves, all all grass grass clippings clippings or or an an overload overload of of any any other other sin singlegle type type of of material, material, it it interestedinterested in in getting getting ideas ideas on on how how to to build build w weathereather or or summer summer months, months, little little flies flies may may cancan throw throw off off the the balance balance of of the the pile. pile. In In gener general,al, it's it's good good to to keep keep a a mix mix of of green green yourGrassyourGrass own own &bin &bin Hedge Hedgecontact contact the the CuttingsCuttings Environment Environment greetgreet you you as as soon soon as as you you open open the the lid. lid. These These andand brown brown material. material. AwarenessAwareness Officer Officer of of Laois Laois County County Council. Council. areare generally generally fruit fruit flies flies and and are are present present to to feed feed onon the the top top layer layer of of fruit fruit or or vegetables vegetables in in your your 7.7. DuringDuring colder colder weather, weather, place place an an old old piece piece of of c carpetarpet or or blanket blanket on on top top of of the the m materialsaterials inside inside the the bin. bin. Simply Simply lift lift up up the the carpet carpet every every time time you you want want to to add add new new Q:Q: WhyWhy isis mymy compostcompost tootoo wet?wet? compostcompost bin. bin. All All you you have have to to do do is is either either m materialsaterials in in the the compost compost bin bin and and then then place place it it back back over over them them prior prior to to closing closing the the lid. lid. putput a a layer layer of of newspaper newspaper or or some some grass grass over over the the ThisThis will will maintain maintain the the high high temperature temperature needed needed in in the the composting composting process process.. A:A: Sometimes,Sometimes, especially especially if if you you are are new new to to the the fruitfruit / / vegetables vegetables and and your your fly fly problem problem should should compostingcomposting process, process, you you might might not not get get the the mix mix disappear,disappear, as as they they do do not not want want to to dig dig for for food. food. 8.8. AlternativelyAlternatively wrap wrap plastic plastic around around the the bin bin or or compost compost heap, heap, this this will will act act as as an an rightright the the first first time. time. If If your your compost compost appears appears too too insulationinsulation material material and and help help the the materials materials biodegrade biodegrade quickly quickly in in the the compost compost wetwet or or a a liquid liquid may may leak leak out out from from the the bottom bottom of of bin/heapbin/heap as as the the required required temperature temperature will will be be sustained sustained for for a a longer longer period. period. youryour compost compost container container it it means means that that you you are are 9.9. RememberRemember to to keep keep the the lid lid on on your your compost compost bin bin closed closed at at all all time timess – – this this will will help help addingadding in in too too many many ‘green’ ‘green’ materials materials that that are are toto keep keep the the heat heat in in and and maintain maintain the the composting composting process. process. richrich in in nitrogen. nitrogen. It It is is simple simple to to overcomeovercome this, this, simply simply add add more more InterInterestedested inin ttakingaking itit aa stepstep furfurtther?her? ‘brown’‘brown’ materials materials that that are are rich rich in in carbon carbon LotsLots of of gardeners gardeners are are taking taking composting composting a a step step further further by by using using worms worms to to ‘ eat’‘eat’ their their food food (refer(refer to to page page 3 3 for for examples). examples). scraps.scraps. This This is is called called vermi-composting vermi-composting – – ‘vermi’ ‘vermi’ is is the the Latin Latin word word for for worm. worm. This This method method of of compostingcomposting is is much much quicker quicker as as finished finished compost compost can can be be produced produced in in 2 2 to to 3 3 months months but but vermi-composting vermi-composting cancan be be very very demanding demanding on on your your time time – – as as the the worms worms used used can can be be very very sensitive sensitive to to temper temperatureature changes changes (they (they hate hate extremeextreme heat heat and and extreme extreme cold cold conditions) conditions) and and the the type type of of food food you you give give them them to to eat. eat. TheThe liquid liquid fertiliser fertiliser produced produced is is called called worm worm tea. tea. This This is is a a very very nutrient nutrient rich rich fertiliser fertiliser and and will will need need to to be be diluted diluted prior prior toto placing placing it it on on plants/vegetables. plants/vegetables. IfIf you you are are interested interested in in finding finding out out more more please please contact contact the the Environment Environment Awareness Awareness Officer Officer or or log log onto onto www www.laois.ie.laois.ie

5 Laois County Council 6

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Laois County Council For further information on composting, wormeries and facilities in County Laois, please contact:

Environment Awareness Officer Laois County Council Áras an Chontae Portlaoise Co Laois Tel: 057 8674322

www.raceagainstwaste.ie

Printed on recycled paper. A guide to Household Composting Produced by Probe Marketing. Email: [email protected]

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