How to Compost Organic Materials
- 1). Locate an appropriate composting bin, depending on the amount of organic materials to be composted. One suggested type is a rolling composting bin, which allows you to turn the composting materials by simply rolling the bin across the ground, rather than having to turn them manually with a pitchfork or a hand trowel.
- 2). Alternate layers of shredded newspaper and cardboard with the organic materials in the composting bin. Organic materials that can be placed in the bin include lawn scraps, such as leaves and grass clippings, and kitchen waste, such as fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds and egg shells.
- 3). Water the composting materials. The materials should be moist, like a damp sponge. Do not add too much water to the bin, which will prevent the materials from decomposing.
- 4). Secure the lid to the composting bin. Locking the composting bin in place will ensure that neighborhood pests do not wreak havoc on the composting materials, especially if you've added kitchen scraps.
- 5). Rotate the composting materials daily. If using a rolling composting bin, simply lay the bin on its side and roll the bin forward and back several feet. If the composting bin is stationary, rotate the materials using a pitchfork. If the stationary bin is too small for use with a standard size pitchfork, use a hand trowel to turn the composting materials. It is important to allow all areas of the composting materials to have adequate amounts of oxygen during the composting process.
- 6). Add water to the composting bin as necessary, typically every few days, using either a garden hose with a sprayer attachment or a watering can. Do not allow the composting bin to become too dry, as this will slow the process of decomposition.
- 7). Place additional organic materials in the composting bin as they become available, if desired. The compost should be ready for use within six to eight weeks from the time the materials were first added to the bin. When harvesting the compost, simply rake through the materials and remove large pieces that have not completely broken down, then place them back into the composting bin to finish decomposing.
