Sustainable Development

Composting

One of the best ways for us as householders to assist in reducing the amount that goes to landfill is to compost our waste at home.

Did you know that 30% (approximate) of the household waste that we generate could be composted and for South Ayrshire that equates to 2400 tonnes of waste that could be diverted from landfill.

All composting is the natural decaying process with the assistance of bacteria, fungi, worms and other small microorganism to break down organic material. The compost that is produced is excellent for the garden, whether as a soil enhancer or as a mulch, you will always find a use for it.

Composting Bin So what can I put on my compost heap? The list is long………. but the short answer is any organic material and NO man made materials.

YES = Kitchen waste- vegetable scraps and peelings, egg shells, teabags, coffee grounds
Garden waste – grass clippings, shrub prunings, old compost
Other – shredded paper, envelopes, cotton, wool, cardboard, bedding from small animals such as hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs

NO = Meat, Fish, Dairy, Bones

Plastic, Glass, Metal items should be recycled.

Making compost is like making a cake. You need the correct ingredients in the correct proportions. This means that for compost you have to get the ratio of GREEN : BROWN right – (green = nitrogen rich e.g. grass clippings – brown = carbon rich e.g. old leaves). Add ingredients in the correct order on a regular basis ensuring your mix is not too wet or too dry. Make sure the compost heap is covered. As your pile grows make sure there is a good airflow and that you turn it regularly.

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