Kitchen waste to Compost: A Guide to Composting

May 2023

Composting is a simple and effective way to turn kitchen scraps and other organic waste into nutrient-rich soil for healthy plants. It reduces your carbon footprint and creates healthy garden and potting soil. This guide covers compostable materials, ideal moisture content, and the benefits of composting. Create healthy soil from food waste and other household materials, whether you're new to composting or an experienced gardener.

Composting

Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to improve soil health and fertility. It involves creating the ideal conditions for microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and worms to break down organic matter such as food scraps, yard waste, and paper products. Composting is a natural process that occurs in nature and can be replicated in your backyard.

Composting

Why compost?

Composting is an eco-friendly solution that reduces waste. When organic matter such as food scraps and yard waste decompose in landfills, they release methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting also provides a natural way to fertilize your plants and garden without the use of synthetic fertilizers that can harm the environment.

Procedure to Compost

Composting is easy and can be done on a small scale in your own backyard. Here are the basic steps to composting:

1. Choose a composting method

There are many ways to compost, including using a compost bin, building a compost pile, or using a worm bin. Choose a method that works best for your space and needs.

2. Gather your materials

You will need a mix of brown and green materials. Brown materials include dry leaves, wood chips, and shredded paper.Green matter, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds, should be balanced with a ratio of 3 parts brown materials to 1 part green materials.

3. Start composting

Begin by adding a layer of brown materials to your compost bin or pile. Then, add a layer of green materials on top. Continue layering brown and green materials, making sure to keep the pile moist but not wet. Turn the pile every few weeks to aerate it and speed up the composting process.

4. Harvest your compost

After several weeks or months, depending on the size of your pile and the composting method used, your compost should be ready to use. Harvest the compost by sifting it through a screen or using a pitchfork to remove the finished compost from the bottom of your bin or pile.

Tips for Successful Composting

Maintaining your compost is crucial to ensure that it breaks down properly and produces nutrient-rich soil. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your composting efforts:

1. Choose the right location:

When selecting a location, be sure to consider if it is close enough to your kitchen waste source so that bringing scraps outside won’t be an inconvenience. Additionally, keep in mind that compost piles need to be turned regularly and receive some sunlight in order to decompose properly.

2. Add the right materials:

Aim for a mix of brown and green materials to ensure that your compost is properly balanced and decomposition process is right. The ideal of carbon to nitrogen ratio is 30:1. Brown materials provide carbon, while green materials act as nitrogen source.

3. Keep it moist:

Your compost pile needs to be moist, but not too wet. If it’s too dry, it won’t break down properly. If it’s too wet, it can become anaerobic, which can cause unpleasant smells. Water your compost as needed to maintain the right moisture level.

4. Turn the pile:

Turning your compost pile every few weeks helps to aerate it and helps in faster decomposition. Use a pitchfork or a compost turning tool to mix the materials together.

5. Monitor the temperature:

Your compost pile should heat up as it decomposes. Use a compost thermometer to monitor the temperature. Ideally, the temperature should be between 57-71°C.

6. Add compost accelerator:

If your compost pile is taking too long to decompose, you can add a compost accelerator to speed up the process. Compost accelerators contain beneficial bacteria and enzymes that help break down the materials faster.

7. Cover the pile:

Covering your compost pile with a tight fitting lid helps to retain moisture and prevent rain from washing away the nutrients.

8. Avoid adding meat, dairy, and fats:

Meat, dairy, and fats can attract pests and can also take longer to decompose. Avoid adding these materials to your compost pile.

9. Use finished compost:

Use your finished product as a soil amendment in your garden or flower beds. Mix it into the soil before planting or use it as a top dressing around existing plants.

Compost Bin

The ideal compost bin should have good ventilation, be easy to access, and be big enough to accommodate the amount of organic matter you plan to compost. Compost piles are a great option if you have a large amount of organic matter to compost and want to create a larger volume of compost.

Benefits of composting

Composting offers a wide range of benefits, both for the environment and for individuals. Here are some of the key benefits of composting:

Reduces waste:Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, where it would otherwise produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Improves soil quality: Compost adds nutrients and organic matter to soil, improving soil structure and fertility. It also helps soil retain moisture and improves its ability to resist erosion.
Saves money: Composting has the benefit of decreasing the need for costly fertilizers and soil amendments, while also lowering expenses for managing waste.
Supports healthy plants:Compost provides a slow-release source of nutrients that supports the growth of healthy plants.
Reduces carbon footprint: Composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills, and by replacing synthetic fertilizers, which require significant energy inputs to produce.
Encourages biodiversity:Compost supports healthy soil microbial communities, which are essential for maintaining soil health and promoting biodiversity.
Creates a closed-loop system:Composting creates a closed-loop system, in which waste materials are transformed into a valuable resource that can be used to support new plant growth.

In conclusion, composting kitchen waste and other organic materials is a simple yet effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil quality, and promote sustainable living. By diverting waste materials from landfills, composting can significantly reduce the environmental impact of household and commercial activities. The resulting high-quality compost can be used to support the growth of healthy plants and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, which can have negative impacts on soil quality and the environment. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or new to composting, it's easy to get started with a kitchen compost bin and some basic raw materials. With a little effort and patience, you can create a valuable resource that will support healthy plant growth and help build a more sustainable future. So why not give composting a try and see the benefits for yourself?