Tips and tricks for backyard composting:

1. Buy or build a compost bin. Many types of containers will work well; however, your container should allow for good air circulation. Read up on the basics of composting from the EPA and the Rodale Institute.
2. Use a small bucket on your countertop or other covered container to collect your food scraps and empty them regularly into your yard compost bin.
3. Structure your compost pile with layers of “browns” and “greens” to obtain the best effects. Browns are carbon rich, generally dry, woody or papery materials such as leaves, straw, sawdust, partially decomposed wood from an old wood pile, torn newspaper, etc. Greens are vegetable and fruit scraps, lawn clippings, coffee grounds, and other green, moist organic materials. Keep the pile covered with browns to discourage bugs and pests.
4. Turn the pile as needed to promote the circulation of oxygen.
5. Your compost is ready to use in your garden when you can no longer recognize the component parts (like vegetables) that you put into it. You might still see bits of leaves and twigs, but you won’t see a potato!
6. Don’t get discouraged. You might wonder what happens if things go “wrong” and your compost rots. Generally that happens if you put in too many greens and not enough browns. You can just throw on some more leaves, or even a scoop of dirt if you’d like to get it back to smelling a little earthier. But, don’t worry —  even if your food rots in your compost bin, it still is much more environmentally friendly than putting it in a landfill.
7. Try indoor composting with worms if you don’t have access to an outdoor space. For home composting, it’s best to keep meat and cheese out of the bin. Commercial services will accept these items.
8. Let us know how it went by leaving a Testimonial under the tab above!