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Composting

Get a compost bin at a reduced price.

At least 30% of your household bin could be composted and you can reap the rewards by composting it yourself at home.

The Hertfordshire Waste Partnership have teamed up with Evengreener to offer subsidised compost bins. They start at £15 for a 220ltr compost bin and £18 for a 330ltr compost bin - delivery is £5.49. You can order online or call 0844 571 4444. Compost accessories are also available.

compost_bin

Unlike your green bin for garden waste, food and cardboard, there are only certain foods you can put in a compost bin, otherwise it may attract rats. A good mix of wet material (fruit/veg peelings) and dry material (leaves/shredded paper) gives the right balance.

garden_waste_fruit&veg_peelings

The following can go in the compost bin:

Yes please

  • fruit and vegetable peelings, including apple cores and banana skins
  • tea bags, coffee grounds
  • crushed egg shells
  • grass cuttings, prunings and leaves
  • small amounts of shredded paper and soft cardboard
  • scrunched up newspaper
  • animal hair
  • vacuum dust (only if you have woollen carpets)

The following can NOT be put into your compost bin:

No thanks

  • cat or dog faeces
  • meat
  • cheese
  • dairy
  • fish
  • bread/cakes
  • 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.

emptying_compost_bin

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.