Composting

Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. While composting may seem mysterious or complicated, it’s a very simple and natural process that continuously occurs in nature, often without any assistance from mankind. Composting is an environmentally responsible action that diverts kitchen and yard waste from the landfill and is great for your garden. 

Earth Machine compost bins are available for sale at Central City Campus for $50. For information on how to purchase a compost bin, call (954) 480-4391.  

Benefits of Composting

  • Conservation of Landfill Space
    Landfills are very expensive to operate, and they take up a lot of space. By diverting some waste from the landfill, we can decrease the land required for disposal.
  • Aerobic Decomposition
    In a landfill, organic waste breaks down via anaerobic digestion and produces many volatile gases. Composting keeps digestion aerobic and natural, which decreases the amount of pollution produced.
  • Waste Expense Savings
    The City of Deerfield Beach pays for the transportation and disposal of solid waste. By diverting organic waste from the landfill, the City saves money, which translates to more efficient use of City funds.
  • Excellent Fertilizers
    Produced free of charge, compost serves as an environmentally sound alternative to commercial fertilizers.

Buying a Compost Bin

To purchase a compost bin, call the City of Deerfield Beach Department of Recycling and Solid Waste Management at 954.480.4391.

Earth Machine compost bins are being sold at the low price of $50.

compost bin

Did You Know?

  • There are more micro-organisms in a teaspoon of soil than there are humans alive on the planet.
  • The average U.S. household generates 650 pounds of compostable materials each year.
  • Over 50% of what goes into the landfill is organic waste that could be composted.

What is Compostable?

While not a complete list, here is a large compilation of acceptable and non-acceptable products to compost.

ACCEPTABLE FOOD ACCEPTABLE OTHER NOT ACCEPTABLE
Coffee grounds & filters Algae (pond weeds) Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
Corn cobs & husks Cardboard rolls, clean paper & shredded paper Coal or charcoal ash
Tea bags & leaves Cotton wool rags Dairy products
Eggshells Dryer & vacuum cleaner lint Diseased or insect ridden plants
Fruits & vegetables Fireplace ashes Fats, grease, lard or oils
Grains (cooked or uncooked) Grass clippings Meat or fish bones & scraps
Nut shells Sawdust Pet wastes
Old spices Wood chips Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
  Yard trimmings