Home composting
What is Composting?
- Composting is a natural process which converts organic waste into compost by means of bacteria and micro-organisms.
- The composting process is supported by larvae, wood lice, beetles and worms.
- Moisture and oxygen are the other important factors in the composting process.
- Heat is generated during the composting process. Micro-organisms flourish at a temperature of around 50 degrees C, enabling the composting process to proceed more rapidly.
What can be composted?
Most garden waste such as:
- grass cuttings
- hedge clippings
- weeds (young annuals)
- old plants and garden cuttings
- vegetable waste
- branches and twigs (cut into small pieces)
- fallen leaves.
Most kitchen waste such as:
- fruit scraps and vegetable peelings.
- tea bags and coffee grounds.
- crushed egg shells.
- fruit waste.
- cut flowers and house plant remains.
- Other items such as egg boxes, scrunched up newspaper or shredded confidential documents can be used.
What are the benefits of composting?
- Reduces the amount of waste you put out for collection.
- Reduces the amount of organic waste in landfill which can't break down properly and instead produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
- You receive a fantastic free nutritious fertilizer to help your garden bloom!.
On the 1st September 2009, the WRAP reduced-rate home composting scheme ended. If you are interested in purchasing a compost bin you can contact United Utilities. The bins available to United Utilities customers are:
Compost Converter 220 ltr for £16.50 + £5 delivery
Compost Converter 330 ltr for £19.50 + £5 delivery
To order a bin from United Utilities go to www.uu2u.com