Environmental Stewardship & Continuous Improvement in Solid Waste Management

Composting

Transforms food scraps and lawn & garden waste into a valuable soil amendment.

  • rich in nutrients – reducing the need for chemical fertilizer
  • useful in retaining soil moisture – reducing water usage
  • stops erosion

Preserves valuable landfill space.

  • reduces the need to prematurely build new cells
  • saves money on trash disposal

Protects the environment.

  • reduces greenhouse gas emissions – related to climate change
  • reduces issues surrounding leachate – supporting water quality

 

Education

Classes are available for groups of all ages with simple instruction of available compost opportunities & how to get started. Call 712-792-5001 to schedule a class.

 

Having the right recipe, preparing your ingredients prior to adding, layering the greens and the browns, providing the right amount of sun, water and flipping is essential for composting success.

 

  1. NEVER add the items from the AVOID list. They will decompose along with your approved ingredients, but these items will smell and attract animals and rodents to dig in your compost area.
  2. ALWAYS chop your ingredients into small pieces. Everything will eventually decompose, but the larger the item, the longer it takes. For best results, chop items into smaller pieces.
  3. CONSISTENTLY layer, water and flip your compost as it decomposes for best results. It will decompose if not flipped, but it will take a year or more to become compost.
  4. SUNSHINE! Heat is essential for your compost recipe to cook. (decompose) Find a bright sunny spot for best results.

See How To:

Back Yard Compost

Indoor Compost