Organic material such as food and yard waste comprises nearly 30% of the waste generated by U.S. households. In a landfill, these materials decompose anaerobically, creating methane, a potent greenhouse gas. When diverted from the landfill through composting programs, it instead becomes a valuable product that sequesters carbon, builds healthy soil and supports plant health. Like recycling, composting maximizes the value of existing resources through reuse, reduces environmental impacts and creates jobs.
Utilizing curbside compost services is a simple action with significant environmental benefits. Yet some folks hesitate to fully utilize the service because of concerns about odors or flies. Here are a few tips to help manage the “yuck” factor:
Due to wildlife concerns, the following areas in Boulder County are prohibited from depositing food scraps in their compost bin: East of Highway 36, but west of 39th Street (or 26th Street) and south of Nelson Road. Crestview Estates, Lake of the Pines HOA and the town of Eldorado Springs up to the park entrance.
Boulder County Information
Yard and Food Waste Drop-Off Sites
Worm Composting (Vermiculture)
US Composting Council Information
International Compost Awareness Week
Composting for Teachers and Students
Colorado State Information
Composting in Colorado
Over the past decade, composting has shed its hippie-lifestyle image and become a mainstay in government policy efforts to increase diversion rates and reduce greenhouse gas emmissions. Composting is an important piece of the puzzle in diversion from landfills and overall climate stewardship, but isn’t the best use of our excess and uneaten food. By…
Backyard composting is an effective way to reduce your household carbon footprint, and it can be very rewarding to produce your very own quality compost for the garden. While there is certainly a lot of science behind backyard composting, a little know-how will take you a long way. To produce your own “black gold”, nurture your…
Increasing organic matter in soil with compost is a simple act packed with benefits that contribute to healthy soil and a strong, vibrant landscape. Soil will benefit from a compost boost in almost any application including trees and scrubs, seeded lawns, under sod, in lawn aeration, and in flower beds, borders and vegetable gardens. Did…
Let us do the heavy lifting! Due to the City of Boulder’s Universal Zero Waste Ordinance which requires ALL properties, residential, commercial and multifamily to have trash, recycle and compost service by June, 2016, Western has worked with many of our existing customers to start their new compost service. As implementing compost collection at your…
For overall soil health and plant vigor, the US Composting Council recommends that we “Strive for 5%”, that is, aim for 5% compost in our soil. This will help to keep plants healthy, reduce water needs, introduce beneficial microorganisms and possibly reduce the need for added fertilizer.
Compostable Versus Biodegradable—What’s the Difference? Many of our customers are confused by the wide variety of products that claim to be either compostable or biodegradeable and whether these products can go into a compost container. These terms do have a key difference which impacts their disposal. For an item to be considered compostable, it must…
Backyard composting is an effective way to reduce your household carbon footprint, and it can be very rewarding to produce your very own quality compost for the garden. While there is certainly a lot of science behind backyard composting, a little know-how will take you a long way.
Begin with, and maintain, a 50-50 ratio, by volume, of “browns” and “greens” at all times. If you add a handful of kitchen scraps (which are “greens”) to your pile, you’ll need to add a handful of “browns” (like dried leaves). This means you need to keep a stash of browns handy at all times. Avoid putting meat, bones and dairy in your pile; they require high temperatures rarely achieved in the backyard and attract wildlife.
All materials going into your bin (greens or browns) must be cut down to 1”–2” in size. Smaller isn’t better. However, coffee grounds are OK.
Keep your pile as damp as a wrung-out sponge, and turn it often with a garden pitchfork. Keep the pile accessible to the garden hose and water it by sticking a running hose in the pile, soaking it for a minute or two. Then mix thoroughly to even out the moisture content. Grab a handful from the bin and squeeze. It isn’t as damp as a wrung-out sponge yet? Repeat the above process until it is. Watering and turning should ideally be done once a week but no less than once a month.
Turn your material frequently — don’t dump and run! Mix material each time you add it. This promotes airflow, moisture distribution and an overall healthy environment for worms, insects and microorganisms.
Heat is an indicator of decomposition and metabolic activity. If your pile is warm, then it’s active. Please note the high temperatures required to decompose meat, bones, shredded paper, compostable bags and service ware, napkins and paper towels are difficult to achieve in a backyard compost pile. These materials are best suited for commercial processes and should be placed in your curbside compost cart.
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