Compost with the Most

We all know that composting-using

decomposed food matter to fertilize soil-

is good for the environment, but when

composting you also have to be a good neighbour.

The "lasagna effect" is important according to

Susan Antler, executive director of the Composting

Council of Canada. This term means that you

layer your compost materials with leaves and/or

grass cuttings.

Layering ensures two things. First, the smell of

your wet compost that comes from your food waste

has a natural cover that acts like a lid. Second, the

heat is allowed to build up in your compost, which

speeds the breakdown process. Both of these factors

keep the smell of your compost from affecting your

neighbours' enjoyment of their yard.

Adding greens and browns to your compost for a

successful lasagna is also important. Greens contain

nitrogen and browns have carbon. Examples of

greens include banana peels, apple cores, and green

leaves.Dried leaves, shredded newspapers, and sawdust

are found in your browns. But be sure not to add fish,

meat, cheese, or oil to your compost, Antler advises.

These items are most likely to attract raccoons due to

their smell.

Just remember to add water and air, turn, and layer

regularly, and you have a successful recipe for

composting as well as happy neighbours.

Antler suggests contacting your local municipal

recycling depot for bins, which range in price from

$20 to $40. The "usual estimates of the amount of

organics recovered per year are 100 to 150 pounds per

person," according to Antler.

Where you put your bin is part of being good

neighbour, too. Antler suggests leaving it in a

convenient place that gets enough sunlight to help with

decomposition. She also notes that your composting

area shouldn't be an eyesore for your neighbours.

Most people have made a "huge commitment

to recycling," according to Bin Solutions' sales

representative Kathleen Howard. Her company

provides attractive containers for your compost materials, garbage, and recyclables. Howard hears a lot

of complaints about raccoons (as well as mice and

squirrels) and about the appearance of composting and

recycling bins. Bin Solutions weatherproofed pine- or

cedar-planked bins provide a solution to rodents and

unsightly views.

The bins come with a lock that is impenetrable to

raccoons, but people can flip open with one hand.

Inside the bin is enough space and shelving that can

be altered for your needs, such as two big garbage bags

and four recycling boxes or two recycling boxes,

a garbage bag, and a green bin. Your wet bin for

composting is elevated to keep the bin clean. The

bottom of the bin is elevated on five adjustable legs

and can be stored on your patio.

Condo dwellers can also enjoy the benefits of

composting for their balcony gardens.

Vermicomposting uses red worms to create a dark,

rich compost or, in this case, castings. These castings

are an excellent source of slow-release nutrients for

your balcony plants. Plastic or wooden bins with lids

can be used with a bedding material made from

shredded newspaper and cardboard as well as straw.

In three to six months the castings can be used in

your balcony's potted plants.

Composting is similar to any household routine: it

works best when combined with other daily habits.

So have a handy container ready in your kitchen for

taking your compost materials out to your bin when

you leave for work, water your lawn, or go jogging.

Remember that layering plus routine equals

successful composting and happy neighbours.

Helpful information

Bin Solutions

www.binsolutions.ca

Composting Council of Canada

www.compost.org

City Farmer (for regular and worm composting)

www.cityfarmer.org

Cathy's Crawly Composters (a source for red worms)

www.cathyscomposters.com

City of Toronto worm composting information

www.toronto.ca/compost/withworm.htm

City of Toronto general composting information

www.toronto.ca/compost/index.htm