What is Composting?
Composting is the natural process of decomposition and recycling of organic material. This material can be used as a soil amendment, a potting mixture, or as mulch. 

Why is it Important?
15% to 20% of landfill materials are yard waste, and landfills lack the conditions necessary for proper decomposition. Composting can help spare needed landfill space.

What are the Benefits?
Not only does composting reduce the amount of food and yard waste that goes to the landfills, it is a great amendment to your soil. It promotes healthy soil by retaining moisture, preventing erosion, and neutralizing toxins. Compost also saves you money. Good compost is expensive to buy, but free for the making.

Backyard Composting Recipe
3 parts brown
2 parts green
a dash of soil

1. Mix ingredients into a bin or pile
2. Keep moist but not wet
3. Stir ingredients every week

Green-Nitrogen Sources
fresh grass clippings
garden trimmings
shrubbery trimmings
young weeds

Brown-Carbon Sources
dry leaves
chipped brush or twigs
dry grass
saw dust
fireplace ashes

If pile does not become warm to the touch within 1 week, add additional green materials; mix thoroughly and remoisten. If undesirable odors occur, add more brown materials and mix thoroughly. Apply the finished compost to garden soil.

 
What Materials Can Be Used for Compost?

YES:
aquatic seeds
bread
coffee grounds
egg shells
evergreen needles
fireplace ashes
fruit
fruit peels & rinds
garden waste
grass clippings
leaves
paper
sawdust
sod
straw
twigs
tea leaves
vegetables
wood chips

NO:
bones
butter
cheese
chicken
egg yolk
fish scraps
lard
mayonnaise
meat
milk
oils
peanut butter
pet droppings
salad dressing
sour cream
vegetable oil