Start Composting
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Did you know that 30% of your household waste could be eliminated by simply starting to compost your food scraps? This simple method has been around for decades with many folks enjoying the benefits of rejuvenating their garden soil, reducing garbage and saving money!
Unfortunately, the City of Owen Sound does NOT currently offer curbside pick up of household organic material. However, you can easily compost in your own yard, where you will enjoy the benefits of improved soil quality.
Composting is super easy. Here are the basics:
- Start with simple composting unit. The City of Owen Sound offers them for sale. More info (Backyard Composting area) or you can build one yourself. See plans
- Create the right environment. Place your composter in a sunny spot and make sure it stays a little moist with regular watering.
- Know your ingredients. Successful composting is the combination of two key elements: green material (high in nitrogen) and brown material (high in carbon). See Green vs. Brown List
Three Simple Steps
- Layer your ingredients. When you add green material, put some brown material on top.
- Get the mix right. Start by adding equal measures of green material (first) and then brown material (to cover). If your compost is smelly, add more brown. If it’s taking too long to break down, add more green (plus water).
- Let your compost cook. After filling your container, follow the WSWR method (Wait, Stir contents with a shovel or garden fork, Water then Repeat) and nature will do the rest. It takes an average of 90 days to turn material into lush, usable compost. That’s why it’s great to have a couple of containers so you can use one while the other is cooking.
GOT COMPOSTING QUESTIONS? Email us at oswastewatchers@gmail.com Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.