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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.
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 |
- Will it smell?
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A compost pile that is working well should not have an unpleasant odor. If it does, the materials may be too wet or compacted. Turn the pile to let it dry out, or add dry materials such as leaves.
- How to you harvest finished compost?
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After a few months, the material near the bottom of your composter will no longer be individually identifiable. This means your compost is ready. Just lift the harvesting door on your bin and dig the compost out.
- Where do you use your compost?
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Compost can be used in your garden, on your lawn, and around trees and schrubs.