Frequently asked questions about composting

What is a composter?

Composters are recycled plastic bins for the garden. All composters have a lid and hatch to extract the finished product for re-use as a soil conditioner.

Why compost?

The majority of waste is disposed of in landfill sites throughout the country. The council is committed to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill sites, in accordance with the Waste Strategy for England 2007. The Strategy specifies that we must recycle or compost 40% of household waste by 2010. As a council we are dependant upon the help and support of our residents to enable these targets to be met.

Organic waste is biodegradable and when it is buried in landfill sites it rots and produces methane gas, a major contributor to global warming. It is not necessary to send organic waste to landfill sites as it can be converted to a useful product by householders via compost bins. It is possible to reduce 20% of the waste in a bin without causing any environmental damage by composting at home. This is more environmentally friendly than recycling as no energy input is required for transport or in the recycling process.

Where is the best place to put a compost bin?

For the best results from your compost bin it should be positioned in a sunny spot on well drained soil. The soil below the bin should be loosened to improve drainage and increase access for worms and bacteria. Place a few inches of kitchen waste on the soil at the bottom of the bin, this will attract worms and bacteria to the bin and increase the rate of compost formation. For the best results, organic waste should be put in the bin in layers of different material between 6 and 12 cm deep.

What can I put in my composter?

You can compost almost anything that is organic, i.e. anything that has been grown. This includes:

• fruit and vegetable scraps
• tea bags, coffee grounds
• crushed egg shells
• grass cuttings, prunings and leaves
• small amounts of shredded paper and soft cardboard
• animal hair
• vacuum dust (only if you have woollen carpets)

The following can NOT be put into your composter:

• cat or dog excrement
• meat
• cheeses
• fish
• disposable nappies
• shiny card
• hard objects

For best results, ensure your compost bin contains some grass cuttings or vegetarian animal manure. They heat up and speed up the composting process. However they should be mixed with other organic waste to avoid slime formation.

It is essential that your compost bin is kept warm and moist. Placing the bin in the sun and out of the wind is therefore preferable. Ensure you always put the lid on your compost bin and do not let the compost dry out.

To ensure that air is getting to the centre of the bin, turn the material regularly. This will also speed up the decomposition process.

How do you know when the compost is ready?

Your compost is ready for use when the material does not resemble anything that you put in the bin. Collect the compost from the small hatch at the bottom of the bin. The compost can then be spread on the garden where it will act as a fertiliser.

How much do they cost?

The WasteAware Hertfordshire Partnership have teamed up with Evengreener to offer subsidised compost bins with free home delivery! They start at £18 for a 220ltr compost converter, £22 for a 330ltr compost convertor and if you order two the second one is half price! Compost accessories are also available.

How can I order one?

Please download a form  or visit http://www.herts.getcomposting.com/ to order your compost bins. Alternatively call 0845 130 6090. Please allow 28 days for delivery.