Composting

 

Black compostorAdding compost to a garden improves the soil structure whilst returning valuable nutrients to the soil, adding moisture and retaining humous. Best of all, compost is recycled from garden and kitchen waste so not only is it free, but the process also disposes of unwanted rubbish.

 

Many everyday waste items from your home can also be added with your garden waste to your composter. At least 30% of your household bin could be composted!

 

To make the best compost, it is important to try to balance the 'green' items and 'brown' items. The following table gives you some examples of each type. Further items can be found at the related links.

 

Green items

Brown items
grass cuttings egg shells (crushed)
fruit scraps and vegetable peelings cereal boxes
old flowers toilet and kitchen roll tubes
tea bags and coffee grounds and filter paper garden prunings
pong algae and seaweed (in moderation) bedding from vegetarian pets
spent bedding plants vacuum bag contents (if you have natural fibre carpets)

 

All Hertfordshire Councils are in partnership with wrap, which provides resients with discounted composters. For details on how to order a composter and the types of subsidised composters available see the related links.