How to get a compost bin
How to get started
Why compost?
Did you know that composting is probably one of the most natural forms of recycling and can be traced back thousands of years? Do you want to quickly and easily recycle organic and kitchen waste into a rich, nutritious compost that is ideal for retaining moisture in the garden?
Home composting helps to keep garden and household waste out of landfill sites, which are expensive and harmful to the environment. It also produces nutritious compost, which can be used on flower beds, vegetable plots, patio planters, hanging baskets and window boxes.
We're often asked, "Why do I need to compost when my waste will break down in landfill anyway?"
When waste is sent to landfill, air cannot get to the organic waste. Therefore, as it breaks down it creates a harmful greenhouse gas, methane, which damages the Earth's atmosphere.
However, when this same waste is composted above ground at home, oxygen helps the waste to decompose aerobically, meaning no methane is produced, which is good news for the planet. What's more, after nine to 12 months, you get a free fertiliser for your garden and plant pots to keep them looking beautiful.
Helping you get started
You may be surprised at the variety of materials that can go into your compost bin (and stay out of your black bin). As well as typical garden waste such as grass cuttings and prunings, materials such as coffee grounds, tea bags, vegetable peelings and even vacuum cleaner contents all make for good quality compost.
However, as with any good recipe, the key is ensuring that there is the right ‘mix’ of ingredients. There should always be a balance between ‘green’ materials such as grass cuttings, and ‘brown’ materials such as cardboard.
Compost bins are available to residents of Hinckley & Bosworth at a rate subsidised by the County Council.
For more information on creating the best compost, how to get the right mix and to order composters visit Leicestershire Waste Partnership's website (getcomposting.com)
If you are interested in composting workshops or joining a composting club: home composting (lesswaste.org.uk)
Last updated: 23/08/2022 12:26
