Environment

What is it all about?

Composting is an ancient technology.  It was introduced by the Romans about 2000 years ago as a way to build up the fertility of the soil.

 

Compost is an essential ingredient for good soil.

• it brings fertility to the earth,
• improves structure of the soil,
• improves the drainage,
• breaks up clay,
• binds sand.

In Twelve months an average kitchen in Northern Ireland produces around 200 Kilos of waste, with the average garden producing much, much more.

If this waste is thrown straight into the bin its potential value is lost and it will go straight to landfill where it will not only take up valuable space it it will also decompose releasing gases and liquids which have the potential to harm the environment.

Our organic waste is a valuable commodity which may be used in the production of a prime quality compost.

 

How do I start?

Compost can be made by leaving material in a heap or in a bin. The method you chose may depend on the size of your garden, the amount of material you have to compost or the amount of compost you require.

A compost heap should be at least one metre square and one metre high.  If possible is should be enclosed with brick or timber and covered to keep the rain out.  Space should be left at the front, giving room to turn the heap.

 

Compost bins are a better option for smaller gardens.  They may be purchased from garden centres.  Down District Council can supply a home composting container for the subsidised cost of £10.  If you require a home composting container, or for any other enquiries please:

Tel: (028) 4461 0819

Email: wastemanagement@downdc.gov.uk

 

If neither of these is a feasible option, your local council provides a Brown Bin service in local towns. 

Your compost heap should be easily accessible, for example it may be convenient to have two compost areas, one near the backdoor for kitchen waste and on in the garden to collect material there.

 

What should I put in my compost bin/heap?

Do put in:

Do Not put in:

For best results a good mixture of waste is needed and any large woody material should be chopped up.

 

The Composting Process

There are three types of organisms involved in the composting process; fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes (bacteria that branch).

These organisms begin to grow all over the material and their biological activity begins to break down the waste.  This produces heat, further increasing the activity of the bacteria.

Once the bacteria have used up all the starch and sugars the temperature begins to fall again, creating an environment more favourable for the fungi, which then begins breaking down any woody material.

Composting can take weeks or months depending on how much air and moisture are present.

The compost is ready to use when it is crumbly in appearance and has a slightly earthy smell.

Your compost can then be used in your garden, improving plant health, growth and, increasing yields of fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs.

By using compost you have helped the environment by reducing the need for toxic chemicals and pesticides and increased the nutritional value of home grown foods.

You have also helped save our natural bogland which is a finite resource used in the commercial production of compost, and finally you have, of course, saved yourself money.

 

Where can I find out more?

The DoE website for the 'Wake up to Waste Campaign'

www.wakeuptowaste.org

The EHS website contains information on the NI Waste Strategy and legislation.

www.ehsni.gov.uk

Information on composting organic material and standards

www.wrap.org.uk

The compost Association

www.compost.org.uk

A guide to products available in the UK that contain recycled materials.

www.recycledproducts.org.uk

You can download or print factsheets including 'buy recycled' from this site.

www.wastewatch.org.uk 

Some information on products made from recycled materials

www.useitagain.org.uk

The Irish government's waste awareness campaign

www.raceagainstwaste.com