Composting , the natural decomposition of nutrient waste and other organic matter that can reduce landfill thriftlessness and methane generation while creating a wonderful soil amendment , is apace gain ground livelihood from organisation and individuals . Backyard compost is a democratic and much documented recitation that is come by many domicile gardener to create compost , build healthy filth , and abbreviate waste material sent to landfill .

As compost has increased , householder in small space or bound situation have been looking for compost options that can work for them . These possibilities range from modest , envelop outside composting binful to squirm composting that is virtual indoors , specialized organization that part break down food for thought waste to speed up complete composting , and community and residential pickup arm - based programs .

Composting ’s time is here and while some of us face quad or formula restrictions , there are solution that can enable everyone to take part and add to improving the environment and natural ecology that profit us all . countenance ’s talk shortly about the basics of home compost and then discuss the useable choices .

Composting Basics

Compost is the result of the decomposition of organic materials like food and yard waste into a rich , dark , dirt - like substance call up humus . The decomposition is done by organisms including bacteria , protozoan , fungi , beetles , and earthworms , reckon on the process used .

While organic matter will decompose over time under most consideration , you’re able to speed the process :

For a very good founding to backyard composting , bring up toBackyard Compostingfrom the Virginia Cooperative Extension .

neck of the woods Restrictions

problem in neighborhoods where there are restrictive concordat or neighbor remonstrance about perceived risks of smells or varment problem may be resolve by using shut containers . There are many types of container available via an internet search . Rotatable drums are a good selection . They make aeration simple , minimize odors , speed decomposition , and may put up dual bins that countenance multiple small batches to be managed .

The lead picture of the article is a household - made food for thought waste composting solvent that was developed by a apt local master copy gardener with a circumscribed metropolis garden place . She cut back holes in the side and bottom of a small metal chicken feed can and buried it in her garden bed . Nearly invisible , it allow water and worm incursion through the maw and drainage through the bottom , it ’s easy to aerate and drizzle , has no odor or varment issues and produces a unbendable supplying of usable compost that she applies as involve to pots and garden dirt . Well done !

When an Indoor Method is postulate …

There are a variety show of possible approaches for composters who are define to interior spaces .

City and County Drop - off Options

Residential Pick - up Possibilities

Another choice that became progressively popular during the Covid years , is residential pickup . Two local collecting and compost companies have established convenient and low-priced programs that are available to residents in and around Charlottesville / Albemarle . The program are like but offer dissimilar options to check nonmigratory preference . The basic options typically admit a pocket-size polarity - up fee , a monthly tutelage for pickup , selection for kitchen waste and yard waste with appropriate bucket or binful , and some innocent finished compost once or twice a twelvemonth , along with discounts on bulk purchases . negociate a small neighborhood or HOA pickup program may also be a possible action . Review these tie fromBlack Bear CompostingandLife Cycle Organicsto see the fundamental principle .

Some Important Details for Residents

In verbalize with the compost pro for this article , it was clear that we , the public , have a large influence on the success of the compost political program :

Including non - compostable trash in the premix thin the quality and attractiveness of the ruined product . allow ’s not undermine the process through negligence .

The Solutions Exist

A want of concern for excessive food for thought and yard waste disposal is contributing to environmental damage and climate change . compost these organic products offers an in effect way to reduce the negatively charged impact while improve our territory . Commercial and community pick are available to enable just about everyone to enter in this important practice . If you are not currently a composter , please review the alternative exhibit here and weigh dramatize one that makes sensation to you and your situation . Let ’s make a divergence .

Sources :

lead-in photo : Master Gardener Hidden Composter , Photo : Fern Campbell

“ Making Compost from Yard Waste , ” VA . Coop.Ext.https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/426/426-703/SPES-393.pdf

baksheesh for limiting food waste : https://piedmontmastergardeners.org / note value - your - food - food - rescue - baksheesh - for - reducing - food - waste/