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Composting
To help your garden or grass to grow
better and to recycle your yard waste and kitchen
scraps, composting is
the solution.
In 1993 Massachusetts banned yard waste from the trash in an effort to
reduce garbage, save money, utilize valuable organic
waste, and provide nutrient rich
compost for home lawns and gardens. Using compost on the soil adds
essential nutrients, improves root growth, and helps retain moisture,
which will help cut down on your water bills. By placing kitchen
scraps, grass clippings, and leaves in your compost bin instead of in
the trash, you will end up with rich conditioner for your soil that will
result in healthier vegetables, flowers, or grass.
Composting benefits the environment by reducing the
need for
pesticides It also
reduces trash
collection costs in the City.
The DEP estimates
that food waste accounts for at least 10 percent of all municipal solid
waste generated in the state, or nearly 900,000 tons per year.
It is important to note that Waltham budgeted
over $82,000.00 transporting yard waste.
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Waltham residents can
purchase an Earth Machine and Brave New Composter Bins
at a discounted price at the Lexington Department of Public Works.
Residents pay for the bins at the Public Works, but go
to the Minuteman Facility booth (60 Hartwell Ave) to pick up the
bins. The hours are 7:30 – 3:00 Monday – Friday. Call
781-862-1618 to reach the Lexington DPW. |
| For more
information regarding composting please contact the Recycling
Department at 781-314-3390. |
For
more on composting information and alternative bins visit these
websites:
how to compost
composting 101
Composting is a natural form of
recycling where organic matter decomposes into a nutrient rich, soil
like material called compost. Currently 30% of all trash in the United
States consists of compostable materials which instead of filling up a
landfill could be used as an all natural fertilizer. Compost offers an
organic alternative to inorganic fertilizers made from petroleum which
can pollute the earth, compost will also improve soil structure.
Compost occurs in nature when plant debris, dead animals, and
other dead organic materials decompose; when the matter breaks down it
is returned to the soil by the acts of micro-organisms, animals, air,
and water. Eventually the decomposed material finds its way into the
ground where plants can take advantage of the nutrients. In developed
areas organic material is often removed before it can become part of the
soil. In order to grow plants successfully gardeners must emulate nature
by adding fertilizer to their gardens.
To begin a compost pile one must first purchase or make a compost
bin. Bins can be made from wood, chicken wire, pallets, concrete blocks,
or even a perforated garbage can. Homemade bins should be approximately
one square meter, and ready made bins may be purchased from the
Lexington Public Works Building located at 1557 Massachusetts Ave.
Lexington, MA. While a compost pile will be just as effective as a bin,
a compost bin will help your compost retain heat and moisture, avoid
negative effects of the weather, keep pests away, and be more
aesthetically pleasing.
The ideal time to begin composting is in the spring when the
weather becomes warmer, once a location for the compost bin or pile is
selected, at least two feet from any structure, the ingredients for
compost must be gathered. These materials consist of both “green” and
“brown” items. “Green” ingredients are high in nitrogen and include such
things as: grass clippings, leafy plant trimmings, and food waste
(fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, and egg shells are all acceptable
but do not include any dairy or meat products). “Brown” ingredients are
high in carbon, some examples are: autumn leaves, straw, cornstalks,
paper/cardboard, and wood chips. When assembling a compost pile it is
not necessary to layer ingredients however doing so will result in a
faster conversion of organic materials into compost, in addition to
layering, chopping or cutting the materials into small pieces will speed
up the process.
The best method to beginning a compost pile is to start with a
course “brown” material such as cornstalks and straw in order to build
air passages. Once the first layer is down add alternating levels of
“brown” and “green” items with a layer of soil every foot. Once the
compost pile is complete it only take minimal maintenance in order to
turn spoils into soil. If the pile become too dry it will not decompose,
materials should remain damp in order for the maximum amount of
decomposition to occur. In addition to water the pile also needs air,
fluff the pile with a shovel or compost turning tool each time more
material is added. In order for the original materials to become compost
it will take anywhere from six weeks to two years depending on a number
of variables.
Most organic materials will become compost when they are put in a
compost bin but a few items will harm your compost. Never add chemically
treated wood, diseased plants, human or pet feces, meat, bones, dairy,
fatty food wastes, pernicious weeds, or inorganic material.
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