Composting Materials
Composting is the biological process through which organic materials are decomposed into a nutrient rich soil conditioner. It occurs naturally and is a way of replenishing soil and recycling energy. In addition to increasing soil fertility, composting helps address problems with food waste because almost any plant-based food can be composted when it is no longer edible.
Two categories of household materials can be composted: wet/green materials and dry/brown materials:
Wet/Green Materials |
Dry/Brown Materials |
Fruit & vegetables |
Dry grass & leaves |
Fresh grass or fallen leaves |
Lint |
Coffee grinds |
Paper |
Things to keep in mind:
Too much brown material causes decomposition to occur very slowly and too much green material can lead to anerobic conditions and unpleasant odors. Having a balance of brown and green materials helps maintain a healthy composting environment.
Additional Resources