What is Composting?
It is the natural decomposition (break-down) of biodegradable household and yard waste into a dark, crumbly substance called humus. This material is a great soil amendment for the garden. It helps retain in the soil, keeps the surface of the soil cool, and also helps prevent erosion. Food and yard waste make up an estimated 30% of the total waste stream in the United States. According to the EPA, during peak summer and fall months, yard waste can represent up to 25 to 50 percent of municipal solid waste. Since these materials are relatively clean and biodegradable, disposal in landfills may be unnecessary and wastes space. North Carolina General Statute 130A-30910 prohibits the disposal of yard waste in municipal landfills. By composting, natural means are used to divert these wastes away from landfill facilities. Also, home composting serves as a useful educational tool—teaching children about conservation and the “cycle of life”.
How to Compost
Recipe for Successful Composting
- 75% Brown Organic Materials
- 25% Green Organic Materials
- A combination of water, heat, oxygen & composting organisms and biodegradable materials that need to be layered, watered (to the consistency of a wet sponge) & turned frequently. If this is too much work, composting can be accomplished with less effort, but the rate of decomposition will be slower.
- Top-layer of leaves
- Green/Nitrogen matter-Grass, food scraps
- Brown/Carbon matter-Dried Leaves
- Soil
Repeat pattern and make several groups of layers. (The very bottom layer of the compost pile should consist of a bed of branches or large sticks.)
Helpful Tips
- Moisture content of the compost pile should be at 40-60%
- Optimum ratios should be 2-3 parts brown material to 1 part green material. Smaller items will decompose faster.
- You should have usable humus in 6-8 weeks.
Proper Composting Materials
Green Materials
Fresh, green grass clippings
Flowers and other vegetative remains, weeds
Food-fruit & vegetable remains including eggshells, coffee
grounds/filters, do not include meats and grease.
Bury food items in 8”-12” of compost to limit odors
Brown Materials
Dead, Dry Leaves:
Chop well, run over with lawn mower
Lightly wet leaves prior to mixing into pile to hasten decomposition
Brush, twigs, shavings & other woody residuals:
Chip or shred wood so it will compost faster
Mix into pile
Dried Weeds
Straw & Hay
Place loosely on the pile, avoid clumps or bale sections
Paper Products-Newspaper, Paper plates, Paper napkins, Paper
towels & tubes, Coffee filters, Tea bags
Moisten and tear or shred paper products
Add to the pile in small quantities
How Can Town of Apex Residents Obtain a Composting Bin?
The Town of Apex will provide a compost bin to interested residents, at cost. The bins will be available at the Public Works and Utilities Department at 105 Upchurch Street from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Checks and cash will be accepted for payment. The cost of the bins is $65.00.
The Public Works and Utilities Department appreciates your interest in this program. If you have further questions, please call 362-8166. Other useful sources of information regarding composting can be found on the Web at www.composters.com and http://www.vegweb.com/
Improper Composting Materials
- Greasy Foods
- Dairy Products
- Meat Scraps & Bones
- Human & Pet Wastes
- Eucalyptus Leaves
- Pine Needles
- Rocks
- Plastics
- Styrofoam
Potential Problems
- Compost pile remains too dry and decomposition has slowed—add water to pile
- Strong odor-over watering has caused a lack of oxygen which leads to unwanted odors
- Attracts rodents and other creatures-Make sure bin is securely fastened and /or locked.