How Do I Build A Compost Pile?

It’s easy! Follow these simple steps, and in just a few hours, you’ll be in business.

Compost Mound

This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to compost. Yard wastes can be composted without a bin if you do not mind the appearance of an uncontrolled compost mound in your yard.

What To Do - Find a good location and loosen the soil where your pile will be. Pile your yard waste in a mound about 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet. Alternate wet and dry materials. Add wastes as they become available. Remember, if you turn your compost pile it speeds up the process.

What You Need - All you need is a pitchfork or shovel and work gloves.

Compost Can

Another cheap and easy way to compost small amounts of yard and food waste.

What to Do - Drill holes 4 to 6 inches apart all around your garbage can. You also need to drill holes into the bottom. (This allows for air movement and for excess water to drain off.) It is best to put 2 to 3 inches of straw or wood chips in the bottom to help it drain. Turn the compost with a shovel or pitch fork. Keep the garbage can cover on, it helps keep out the critters. You may need to add water since it is covered.

What You Need - A garbage can with cover, straw or wood chips and a drill for making the holes.

Compost Bins

Can be made out of many types of materials - blocks or bricks, snow fence, used pallets, wire mesh, etc.

Blocks or Bricks - Just lay out the blocks or bricks without mortar. Leave spaces between the blocks or bricks to permit air to circulate. The best size is approximately 5 - 8 feet square and 3 - 4 feet high.

Snow Fence - Used snow fence is a simple way to build a bin. Just drive four corner posts into the ground and attach the snow fence.

Used Pallets - Find four clean pallets and fasten the corners together, and start filling. You may want to keep one corner loose, so the bin can be opened for turning and removing compost.

Small-Mesh Wire Fencing - Buy or find wire mesh, form into a circle or square and add your compost materials.

Bins do not have to be square, they can be rectangular or a circular structure, it’s your choice. Remember, for a typical home garden, a bin 3-to-4 feet in height and 5-to-8 feet square will do. Locate it away from buildings and combustible materials.

 

 

How Do I Start My Compost Pile?

Begin by collecting your yard wastes and throwing them in your pile or bin. You can then add yard and food wastes anytime but it is best to bury the food waste in your pile (it helps keep out the critters). Chopping or mowing your wastes makes the process go faster. Just remember if you want a finished compost, you will need to start a new pile and let the first pile completely compost.

That's All There Is To It!

Kitchen scraps (minus meat, fish, bones and fatty foods) should be added to the center of the waste layers where heat will be the greatest. This also reduces unwanted critters coming to your compost pile. Pile waste material loosely in the bin. Too much compaction inhibits the flow of air through the pile. It helps to make the top layer slant toward the center where it will catch rainfall. Water is the key to successful composting. A compost pile should be kept damp, but not soggy, especially during dry spells. Be patient! It will take six months to a year before the compost is ready for use.

 

OCRRA's Compost Sites

Food Scrap Recycling can help reduce the amount of trash that enters our landfills. Even if you don't have lots of outdoor space, you can still compost your food waste yearround. It's easy, all you need are some worms!