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 they attract flies and rodents and will produce a smell from your compost pile.
  2. ALWAYS chop your ingredients into small pieces. They will decompose eventually if you leave them whole, but it will take a whole lot longer…like a year or more depending on the item.
  3. CONSISTENTLY layer, water and flip your compost as it decomposes for best results. You can however, have several ‘yearly’ piles that you only add to for a year, then move to the new pile the following year. The ‘yearly’ pile will decompose, but it will take several years to produce the completed 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