Composting

Many Iowa communities are looking for ways to handle the grass clippings, leaves and tree wood trimmings generated by their citizens. Since 1991, Iowa has prohibited yard waste from being deposited in landfills. Many Iowa communities are managing yard waste conveniently and economically, with little impacts on the environment.

What is Composting?

Composting is a great way to recycle your kitchen waste and yard trimmings, reduce your trash output and generate a free and rich soil conditioner. Composting is one of the most economical and environmentally friendly ways of managing yard waste. Good quality compost which can be used for improving soil quality or gardening purposes, can be developed with a community proactively controls the composting process.

Compost Use

You can use compost on a number of applications, including as a:

•  soil additive
• moisture-holding mulch around trees and on flower and vegetable beds 
• lawn dressing
• mix with potting soil

• Improves soil conditions 
• Decreases chemical fertilizer needs 
• Adds organic material and water retention capability to the soil 
• Reduces erosion and runoff 
• Suppresses weeds

How Does Composting Work?

First, you add materials to compost bin. You add water and “turn” materials. Microorganisms you can’t see (such as bacteria and fungi) and Macroorganisms you can see (such as mites, earthworms and other insects) consume and break down the material. 

With enough air and water, the microorganisms will produce heat. “Hot” compost decomposes faster than “cold” compost. If there is not enough water and oxygen, the microorganisms will die and composting will slow.

How Do I Get Started?

Decide if you want a compost pile (just a small area of the yard where you mix your ingredients) or a fabricated compost bin or tumbler. Generally, a bin is recommended to discourage pests and make it easier to access the finished compost. 

There are many commercially produced compost bins, or you can build your own from numerous plans available online. Three feet by three (3x3 ft.) feet is considered the ideal bin size. 

Steps for Composing

Now that you have your bin:

1. Start by collecting kitchen scraps: carrot and potato peelings, wilted lettuce, apple cores, coffee grounds and filters, and other scraps. Keep a small container with a lid under your sink for easy use while you are cooking. 
2. Start adding leaves, glass clippings, small twigs and so on to your outdoor bin. 
3. When your kitchen container is full, empty it into your compost bin. Mix the material, add some water, and cover it with a layer of brown, carbon rich material  (like dead leaves) to speed its decomposition and discourage pests. 

Composting is not an exact science. If you combine roughly equal parts of nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials your compost should be off to a good start. 

All you have to know about nitrogen and carbon is that Nitrogen-rich materials are nice and green, such as freshly cut leaves and grass. Carbon-rich materials are crunchy, such as dried fall leaves and plant material, shredded paper (not glossy). 

Remember, you want about half nitrogen-rich items and half carbon-rich items. Nitrogen-rich materials are typically soft and green (such as freshly cut leaves and grass). Carbon-rich materials are brown, (such as dried fall leaves and small branches).

When is my compost ready?

Finished compost is dark brown or black and crumbly with a rich, earthy smell. Using compost in the late summer or fall is ideal, so you can make room in your bin for fall leaves

Resources

• Composting for Iowa Communities
• Composting: Nature's Recycling
• compostguide.com