Guide to Composting

What are the benefits of composting? 

Composting helps reduce methane emissions, improves your soil’s health, and conserves water!

What types of items are compostable? 

Compostable items fall into 2 categories, Green Materials and Brown Materials. Green Materials are rich in Nitrogen and include the following: food scraps, coffee grounds & filters, grass clippings untreated with pesticides, eggshells, tea bags, and even shedded pet fur! Brown Materials provide carbon for your compost pile and include: dead leaves, branches & twigs, paper, cardboard, shredded newspaper, nutshells, and dryer lint.

Some items are not suitable for composting or can complicate the process, so you should avoid composting these items, which include coal or charcoal ash, dairy products, egg yokes, lard, oils, fats, bones, meat & fish scrapes, pet waste & litter, and inorganic materials like plastic.

 

How to Get Started:

First, you’ll need to set up your bin – wine crates, plastic storage containers, and garbage cans all make great bins! Make sure that your bin has a hole for drainage and then add a base layer of twigs or straw. Last, find a dry and shady spot where your compost will thrive, and set your bin there.

Next, you can start to fill the bin! Start with a layer of Brown Materials, followed by a layer of Green Materials. For the best results, you’ll want to continue layering the compost in this way as you generate waste to keep the nutrients balanced.

Be sure to turn your compost once a week to create proper aeration by mixing the materials with a shovel. If you notice that your compost pile is very dry, you can also add water at this time. Doing these activities regularly can help speed up decomposition and produce better quality compost.

When your compost is ready to use, you’ll notice that it has turned into a dark, rich soil and the materials you added will no longer be easily recognizable. Add this compost to your soil or use it as mulch and watch your plants, flowers, and trees thrive!

Tips:

  • Break anything thicker than your finger into smaller pieces before adding them to speed up the decomposition process.
  • Boil food waste first or use traps to deter fruit flies.
  • Try worm composting to create nutrient-rich fertilizer. Research further to learn more about the process and ensure the best environment for your worms.

RE/MAX of Cherry Creek, Inc.
100 Jackson Street
Denver, CO 80206

Each office independently owned and operated.
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.