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Composting

Keeping it simple

By Martin AhrensPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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The way nature intended.

Composting is a way every single household and most businesses can contribute their part in reducing landfill waste, but there are so many benefits to composting other than cutting back on your trash. How many times have you bought potting soil, or dirt for your landscaping and yard? Even if you live in town you can still compost and make your own dirt, which will be more nutrient dense and have better water retention vs. the bagged stuff you buy from the stores. There are already some countries that ban compostable waste from being thrown in the trash, before long composting will be the norm worldwide. ,

This is very similar to how I first started.

I began composting because I had launched a business that collected manure, animal waste, and yard waste with the goal of 100 percent recycling. The business took off and my little hand made bins became buried quickly. This is where the research and trials began, I live in the mid-west and only have half a year or so to effectively compost outside.

The point of composting for me is to breakdown material and kill pathogens in the quickest manner possible. Now for some, a simple resting pile or bin will suffice since there wouldn't be enough material to generate heat anyhow. But to compost larger amounts, this requires work. Frequent turning of the pile (I do three times a week) is needed, and on top of that the key ingredient is water. If you try to have a thermophilic compost system it will require enough water to get down into the center of the pile. This will generate very hot temperatures, even in the colder months, if done properly.

Most systems can be made at home, I have spent thousands of dollars on different systems just to build the same thing later on for a fraction of the cost. And this way you can make it to fit your needs. To save time, and my back, I favor the mechanical turning/rotating bins. Fifteen seconds and the pile is turned and I can complete a batch in three to four weeks. These also hold the moisture better, keeps the smell down, and keeps the unwanted pests out. These and closed bins with vents work best for in town. Other ways include windrows which are just long short piles that are easier to turn, Bokashi systems which involve spent beer grains. This seems to be a quick way as well, and a closed system that can even be done indoors. You can also make bins out of wood, fencing/wire blocks, anything basically to hold a pile up and let air and water in.

Once you have chosen your method of composting it is time to get it started! Fill it with anything that can be composted, and you can continue to add fresh waste to this step at any time. The first step is key to a successful compost, plenty of water and turning is needed. I turn mine three times per week. You will see as the steam becomes less, and your pile will get a more earthy smell, this means it is coming along nice. It will turn a nice black color as well, this is when you want to move the compost to a curing pile. You will not add any new material to the pile as it cures, nor will you need to turn the pile as much if at all. I basically cure mine until I need dirt, which could be two weeks or two years.

Some items to add to your composting system.

Here is a partial list of what to add and what not to add, this is not a complete list, and can also change depending on your soil needs. Example, wine grape growers would want a more acidic compost meaning you would have to add materials that would add acidity as they break down. Here are the things you can add:

  • Greens
  • garden/yard scraps
  • manure
  • coffee grounds and filters (if not bleached)
  • paper products
  • WATER

Here are some things to stay away from:

  • bones
  • dairy
  • pine needles
  • oak leaves
  • meat
  • shiny paper
  • cardboard with glued layers

Once you get your system going you will see that some things take longer than others to break down. You will also notice some other things in your bins that are actually helpful such as

  • fungus(mold, mushrooms, etc.)
  • worms
  • flies/maggots
  • gnats/other bugs

The keys to the cycle of nature.

Even going beyond what you can see, there are so many things working around the clock to break down your garbage. Now, for in town and other circumstances like indoors, a more closed system will keep many bugs and pests out which is fine because the micro organisms will still be working. You will see online people trying to sell the "good bacteria" to get your system up and running, DO NOT buy this!!! At the least you can just take a scoop of dirt from your yard an add, this contains an entire ecosystem already established. Also, things like tree leaves already contain bacteria to speed up the break down process when the fall in the fall.

The take away is that anyone can compost in any space, no matter how much or little you have to use. This can also be a fun family project that gets everyone involved, also giving you a great product to add to your garden beds to continue the cycle nature intended. Just remember if it is for sale online then there is probably a cheaper way to DIY, all it takes is a little bit of online research.

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