Composters

What is a Composter?

Composters are bins for the kitchen or garden used for organic waste disposal. Waste deposited into specially made composters do not give off the odour you normally find in your bin because most composters these days have been specifically designed to prevent such things using carbon filters. All composters have a lid and hatch and come in a variety of styles suitable for both internal and external use.

Why Compost?

Most of our household, industrial and commercial waste is disposed in landfill sites throughout the country (and in some cases – other countries). In 2000, the National Waste Strategy agreement affecting counties in the UK specified that councils must recycle or compost 30% of household waste by 2010. It was also agreed that 40% of households would own a garden composter by 2010. To date, no data has been published to specifiy whether the targets have been met but it is the hope of the UK government and local authorities that residents and business alike will do their own part to help britain meet it’s composting targets by the end of the year.

Did you know that 20% of the average household dustbin is comprised of organic material.

Organic waste is biodegradable and when it is buried in landfill sites it rots and decomposes and produces the gas known as methane. Methane gas is a highly flammable gas and if not properly managed, can escape into buildings near landfill sites and in worst case scenarios, lead to explosions. On the plus side, it is not necessary to send organic waste to landfill sites as it can be converted into a useful product by householders. For example, compost bins can be purchased which convert food waste and other organic material into compost. Composting is one of the Best Practicable Environmental Options for the reduction of waste to landfill. It has been proven possible that household waste could see a reduction of 20% waste in the bin, without causing any environmental damage, if composting procedures were used instead. Clearly, this is more environmentally friendly than recycling because no fossil fuel energy input is required for transport or during recycling process.

How to get the best results from your compost bin.

Where is the best place to put a compost bin?

The best results from your compost bin will be achieved if the bin is positioned in a sunny spot on well drained soil. The soil below the bin is best utilised if it loosened to improve drainage which also helps worms and bacteria gain entry to the composting site easier. A good practice to get things started is to place a few inches of kitchen waste on the soil at the bottom of the bin. This will attract worms and bacteria to the bin which will increase the rate of compost formation. The best results have been known to be achieved if organic waste is placed in the bin in layers of different material between 6-12cm deep.

What can I put in my Composter?

Almost anything that is organic can be composted, i.e. anything that has been grown. This includes:

• fruit and vegetable scraps
• tea bags, coffee grounds
• crushed egg shells
• grass cuttings, prunings and leaves
• small amounts of shredded paper and soft cardboard
• animal hair
• vacuum dust (only if you have woollen carpets)

The following cannot be put into your composter:

• cat or dog excrement
• meat
• cheeses
• fish
• disposable nappies
• shiny card
• hard objects

For the absolute best results ensure your compost bin contains some grass cuttings or vegetarian animal manure. These organics heat up quicker and speed the composting process up. Be careful though, they should be mixed with other organic waste to avoid the fomration of slime.

Keeping your compost bin warm and moist is essential. Placing the bin in the sun and out of the wind is the best location to achieve this. It is very important that you always put the lid on your compost bin and do not let the compost dry out.

Turning the material inside the bin regularly ensures that air is getting to the centre of the bin and this will speed up the decomposition process.

How do you know when the compost is ready?

Your compost is ready to be used when it does not resemble anything that you put in the bin. Normally, bins have hatches at the bottom and this is where you can collect your newly formed compost. The compost can then be spread on the garden where it will act as the best kind of natural fertiliser.

How much do they cost?

Compost bins are currently available to purchase from a huge range of retailers across the UK and here at Home Recyling Bins, we’ll make sure we highlight the best current deals and promotions.