The Composting Council's National Backyard Composting Program

THECOMPOSTING COUNCIL'S
NATIONALBACKYARD
COMPOSTING PROGRAM
THECOMPOSTING COUNCIL
114SOUTH P I T STREET
ALEXANDRIA,VA 22314-3112
(703) 739-2401 ~ U X(703) 739-2407
comcouncil@aol.com

P R E F A C E
The NationalBackyard Composting Program
Americans throw away important resources every day.Two-thirdsof what we
"throw away" in the United Statesis made up of organicmaterials that could be
composted to produce a valuable resource. Yet most organic materials are being
dumped in landfills, at great cost to everyone. Much of this organicmaterial can
easily and safelybe composted easily and safelyright in Americans' backyards.
Composting at home is a fun and economicalway for individualsto transform
their own lawn trimmings, food scraps and non-recyclable paper products into
useful soil amendments.
The CompostingCouncil Research and Education Foundation's National
Backyard Composting Program has been establishedto educate Americans about
the value of compostingat home. Hundredsof communities acrossthe nation
have discoveredthe value of helping their citizensto start backyard composting.
These programs have learned that a relatively small investmentin providing
citizens with the resources needed to compost at home is repaid many times over
with savingsby not having to collect,transport, compost or dispose of tons of
organicmaterial that is compostedin backyards.
Goals
' The National Backyard Composting Program is designed to help educators,com-
munity leaders, public works personnel, planners and recycling coordinatorsplan
and implement a composting education program that meetsyour community's
needs. The program provides information and resources gathered from successful
programs, so that you can save time and money by learning from the experience
of others.
This information is being disseminated in workshops sponsored by The Foun-
dation across the nation. The objective of these trainings is to teach 1,500waste
management coordinators,decision makers and communityleaders like yourself
from all 50states how to establish home compostingprograms. These trainees will
start or improve 3,000new composting programs in their communities.
0bjectives
The objectives of The National Backyard CompostingProgram are:
1. To provide informationon the benefits of backyard compostingto leaders in
2. To increasethe amount of organic material composted by Americans by 25
3.To reduce yard trimmingsby teaching appropriate landscape design and
4.To create a national educational program that will save communitiesmuch
at least half of the 3,043countiesin the U.S.
percent over fiveyears.
maintenance methods.
ofthe expense of creating their own program.
THE COMPOSTINCCOUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL
Hundreds of
communities
across the
nation have
discovered the
value ofhelping
their citizens to
start backyard
Compo5ting.
$$$<
"lag&$?.$@' gg3

A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S
Writing & Editing Howard Stenn
Stenn Design, Vashon Island, WA
Graphics & Production Russ Beebe
Paragraphia, Redmond, WA
Original Illustrations Nancie McCormish
Drawn by Design, Lanesboro, MN
Copyright 1996The Composting Council
Contributors & Reviewers Rebecca Roe, Project Director
The CompostingCouncil, Alexandria, VA
Craig Benton
Composting & RecyclingConsultants, Seattle, WA
Louise Baker-Davis
Redlands, CA
David Diligent
Cornel1CooperativeExtension-Albany County, Vorheesville, NY
JudyElliott
Denver, CO
CyaneGresham
RodaleInstitute, Kutztown, PA
SuzanneSmithHirrel
Universityof ArkansasCooperativeExtensionService, LittleRock, AR
JamesHollyer
(via USDA-CSREES Grant), University of Hawaii, HQIW~U~LI, HI
Holly Johnson
Universityof Wisconsin, StevensPoint, WI
RobertMartin
RodalePress, Emmaus, PA
Wayne Mclaurin
Universityof Georgia CooperativeExtensionService, Athens, GA
Sarah (Sally) Pick
Penn State University, Collegeville, PA
Peggy Preusch
Rockville, MD
Gray Russell
The NewYork BotanicalGarden, BronxGreenUpProject, Bronx, NY
Rhonda Sherman
North CarolinaState University, Raleigh, NC
DorothyVali
Lander, WY
1
Project Funding U.S. EnvironmentalProtectionAgency &EPA
Universityof Hawaii
The Composting Council
Wal-Mart
Rodale Press
WheelabratorWater Technologies
Home Depot t
COPYRIGHT 1996 THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL

<i.......... C O N T E N T S
Preface i
~ ~ ~~~~
Acknowledgments ii
Contents iii
Introduction
Chapter I ManagingYard Trimmings
andOrganicScrapsAt Home
ix
1
In ThisChapter... 3
Figure 2.1 CommonOrganicMaterials ............................ 4
Figure 1.2 OrganicMaterialsin U.S. Trash .......................... 4
Section 1. OrganicMaterialsIn Our Garbage
Section2. RegulatoryandEconomic Incentives forComposting
4
5
Federal Legislation: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ...............6
State and Local Regulations ......................................... 7
Figure 1.3 Modern LandfillCutawayDiagram ....................... 6
Section3. Economics of Backyard CompostingPrograms 7
Figure 1.4 Yard TrimmingsLegislation: Disposal Bans QSimilar Laws ..... 8
Section4. The Biologyof Composting 10
Bacteria Are the Powerhouseof the Compost Pile ........................ 10
NonbacterialComposters .......................................... 11
Figure 1.5 Food Webof the CompostPile .......................... 11
Pests of the CompostPile ........................................... 13
Factors Affecting the Composting Process ..............................14
Figure 1.6 Average Carbon:NitrogenRatios ........................ 14
Figure 1.7 Carbon:NitrogenRatios EffectsOn Composting ............. 15
Figure 1.8 ParticleSize EffectsOn Composting ...................... 15
Figure 1.9 TumingFrequency EffectsOn Composting ................. 16
Figure 1.10 Pile VolumeEffectsOn Composting ..................... 17
Figure 1.11 TroubleshootingCompostPiles ........................ 18
Figure 1.12 CompostPile Ingredients: Yesor No ..................... 19
Section5.ManagingOrganicYardTrimmings& Food ScrapsatHome 20
Section5A.Source Reduction of Landscape Trimmings ................. 21
Appropriate Landscape Design for Yard Trimmings Reduction ..............22
)
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL iii

C O N T E N T S
........$ ...f.?<,'.>
;.?,:2
Grasscycling ....................................................23
.IFigure 1.13 Recommended Mowing Heights forSome Grasses .......... 25
Section5B.Reuse:Mulching and BackyardComposting ................ 26
Figure 1.14 Composting Criteria ................................ 27
Mulching with Yard Trimmings
Figure 1.15 Mulch Applications ................................. 28
Figure 1.16 Mulches Used toSmotherLawns and Weeds .............. 29
Figure 1.17 Mulch Treesto Drip Line ............................. 30
Backyard Composting of Yard Trimmingsand Food Scraps
Compost Recipes ................................................. 31
Figure 1.18 Cool and Easy Compost
Figure 1.19 Hot and Fast Compost .............................. 32
CompostingSystems .............................................. 33.
Figure 1.20 Examples ofFood Scrap Digesters ...................... 34
Figure 1.22 Pit and TrenchComposting ........................... 35
Figure 1.21 Burial ofFood Scraps
Figure 1.23 Examples ofMovable Holding Bins ..................... 36
Figure 1.24 Examples ofstationaryHolding Bins .................... 38
Figure 1.25 Examples ofTumingSystems
Vermicomposting (Worm Composting) ................................ 43
Figure 1.26 WormBin ........................................ 44
.................................27
................ 30
............................. 31
............................... 35
......................... 41
TheWormBin ...................................................43
BeddingMaterials 45
Worms ......................................................... 46
Feedingworms .................................................. 4 7
................................................
.
Figure 1.27 CompostableFood Scraps ............................ 47
Figure 1.28 WormBin Troubleshooting ........................... 48
Harvesting Worms and Compost ..................................... 48
Putting Worm Castingsto Use .......................................49
6.Compost UsesandBeneficial€Beds
Figure 1.29 Finished vs.Immature Compost
Figure 1.30 Using Compostas Mulch
Figure 1.31 Using Compostas a Soil Amendment
Figure 1.32 Using Compostin Potting Mixes ....................... 54
50
Beneficial Properties of Compost ..................................... 50
.......................51
............................ 53
................... 54
CompostUses ...................................................52
Chapter2.ProgramPlanning &Organization 57
In This Chapter... 59
Section1.NationalSurveyof Backyard CompostingPrograms 59
1Figure 2.1 TenMost EffectiveBaclyard CompostingProgram Components . 60
Section2.ProgramComponents& Costs 61
EducationEcOutreach ............................................. 61
iv THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARDCOMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

C O N T E N T S
:*L.%.
Compost Bins & Tools .............................................. 64
Promotion & Publicity ............................................. 65
cies a incennves ................................. 66
)
Figure 2.2 How Do VariableRatesAffectCompostingParticipation? ...... 66
~
Section3.OrganizingYourBackyard CompostingProgram 67
Step 1.Gather BackgroundInformation ............................... 67
Step2.Set Goals ................................................. 68
Figure 2.3 Estimated Backyard Composting Diversionper Household ..... 69
Figure 2.5 Estimated Single-familyHousehold Participation Rates
Figure 2.4 Diversion Potential Worksheet .......................... 70
....... 71
Step 3.IdentifyResourcesand Build Support ............................ 73
..................................... 73
Figure 2.6 Proposed Backyard CompostingProgram Timeline ........... 74
Step4.Develop a ProgramPlan
Section4.PotentialBackyardCompostingSupporters 75
GovernmentAgencies & Elected Officials .............................. 75
Businesses ...................................................... 77
CommunityOrganizations .......................................... 78
EducationalInstitutions& Foundations ............................... 78
Celebrities ...................................................... 79
Section5.CaseStudiesof Backyard Composting Programs
Home Composting Program CaseStudy #I: Alameda County. Califomia... 80
Home Composting Program CaseStudy # 3: Ann Arbor,Michigan
Home Composting Program CaseStudy #4: Palm Beach County,Florida ... 83
Home CompostingProgram CaseStudy #5:CityofGlendale. Califomia ... 85
Home Composting Program CaseStudy #8:CityofAustin. Texas
79
Home Composting Program CaseStudy #2:CityofOlympia. Washington .. 81
....... 82
Home Composting Program CaseStudy #6:City ofEast Chicago. Indiana . 86
Home Composting Program CaseStudy #7: TownofAmherst.Massachusetts 87
........ 88
Section6.BackyardCompostingProgramPlanningWorksheet 89
Figure 2.7 Backyard CompostingProgram Planning Worksheet ......... 90
Chapter 3.Educationand OutreachStrategies 93
In ThisChapter... 95
Section1.Audience 8Learning Styles 96
Goal 1.Identifyand AddressAudienceNeeds ........................... 96
Figure 3.1 Composting Concernsand Responses .................... 97
Figure 3.2 WhoIs YourAudience? ............................... 98
Goal 2.ProvideMotivationto Change ................................ 98
Goal 3.Provide Relevantand SpecificInformation ....................... 99
Goal4.Make Learning Fun and Interesting ............................ 99
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL’S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL V

C O N T E N T S
,.-
c.y;:'>;.,:p
.......
Section2.VolunteerTraining Programs 100 ')
c+rm1 1ni.......................".%..
Figure 3.3 Master ComposterOutreach Projects .................... 101
Step 2.DetermineTraining Strategiesand Formats ...................... 102
Figure 3.4 Sample Course Outline .............................. 103
Step 3.Recruit Volunteers
Step4.CoordinateVolunteers
Step 5: Provide Volunteer Recognition ................................ 107
Figure 3.7 Sample Recruitment Flyer ............................ 108
Figure 3.8 SampleApplication Form
Figure 3.5 VolunteerTrainingActivityPlanner ..................... 104
Figure 3.6 Sample PublicServiceAnnouncement ................... 106
.........................................105
...................................... 107
............................ 109
Section3.Workshops 110
Step 2.Arrange Sponsors and Promotion
Figure 3.10 Sample WorkshopFormat ........................... 113
Step 3.SelectLocation ............................................ 114
Step 4.Prepare and InstructWorkshop
Step 1.SelectAudiences and Design Workshop Formats .................. 110
Figure 3.9 Sample VolunteerAchievement Certificate ................ 111
............................. 112
............................... 115
Section4.YouthPrograms
Step 1.Research Existing Programsand Resources
Step2.Design Your Program ....................................... 117
Step 3.Secure Funding and Sponsorship .............................. 119
Step4.Work With Teachersand Children ............................. 119
116
...................... 117
.........................Figure 3.1 1 YouthCompostingActivities 116 1
Figure 3.12 Sample YouthProgram Booklet ....................... 121
Section5.CompostingDemonstrationSites 122
Step 1.ConductInitial Planning and Budgeting ........................122
Step2:Selecta Site ...............................................123
Step3: Design Your Site ........................................... 124
Figure 3.13 Sample Composting Demonstration Site Layout ........... 125
Figure 3.14 Sample Composting Demonstration Site Signs ............ 127
Step4.ScheduleOngoing SitePromotions. Events and Maintenance ........ 128
~~~~
Section6.Written Materials 129
1.Handouts. Brochures. Booklets & Books ............................. 130
2.Promotional Flyers ............................................. 131
3.Stationery ...................................................133
Step 1.Selecta Display Format
Figure 3.1 5 Sample Fber ..................................... 132
Section7.PortableDisplays 133 )
..................................... 133
vi THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL

C O N T E N T S
$:$.&:
.............
Step 2.Design Display Panels ...................................... 134
Step 3.Use Displays Effectively ..................................... 134:)
Section8.SpecialFocusCampaigns 135
Figure 3.16 Sample DemonstrationSite Display Panels .............. 136
Figure 3.17 Sample Portable Display ............................ 137
Figure 3.18 Sample PromotionalFlyer forSpecial Focus Campaign ...... 139
~~ ~~
Section9.Additional EducationalTools 140
1.InformationTelephoneLines ..................................... 140
2.Slide Presentations 6; Videos .....................................140
3.Models. Games. Props and Novelty Items ........................... 141
Chapter4.Composting Bin Programs 143
Figure 4.1 Bin and ToolProgram Options ........................ 145
Figure 4.2 WhyDo Communities Distribute Composting Bins? ......... 146
Step 1.Learn About CommunityNeeds .............................. 146
Step2.SelectRecipients ........................................... 146
Step3.ChooseBins ..............................................147
Figure 4.3 Sample Bin Special Offer............................. 148
Figure 4.4 Bin Selection Criteria ................................ 150
Figure 4.5 WireHoop Composters .............................. 151
Step4.Set a Price -or Give Bins and ToolsAway .......................152
Figure 4.6 Do Residents UseFree Bins? .......................... 153
Figure 4.7 How Much are People WillingtoPay fora Bin or Tool? ....... 154
Step 5.ChooseDistribution and Education Methods ..................... 154
Figure 4.8 Sample WorkshopFlyer .............................. 156
Figure 4.9 What EffectDoes EducationHave on Bin Use? ............. 157
Figure 4.10 Sample Bin Program Fber ........................... 159
Step 6.Design a Promotion and Sign-UpStrategy ....................... 160
Chapter 5.Program Promotion
Step 1.Develop a PromotionalPlan ................................. 165
Figure5.1 Program Promotion Elements ......................... 167
Step2.Identify PromotionalOpportunities ............................ 167
Figure 5.2 Sample DisplayAd ................................. 170
Figure 5.3 Sample TelevisionPSA ............................... 172
Step 3.Conducta Promotional Campaign ............................ 173
Figure5.4 SamplePressRelease ............................... 175
Figure 5.5 Sample PSA Press Release 176
i ............................
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARDCOMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL vii

C O N T E N T S
r 4s .-,v '.L /
Chapter6. ProgramEvaluation
Step 1.Identify and GatherBaseline Information ....................... 183
Figure 6.1 Backyard CompostingPre-Program CommunitySurvey ...... I85
Figure 6.1 Survey QuestionsTypes .............................. 186
Figure 6.4 Sample Master ComposterQuiz
Figure 6.5 Sample OutreachReporting Form ...................... 190
Figure 6.6 Sample WorkshopEvaluation Form ..................... 192
Step 2. Build Evaluation Mechanisms into Program Activities ............. 188
Figure 6.3 Integrating Evaluation MethodsInto OutreachActivities ..... 188
....................... 189
Step 3. Gauge ChangesResulting from Program Activities ................ 193
Figure 6.7 Sample Program Participant Survey ..................... 195
Chapter 7. Resources
Section 1.Backyard CompostingProgram Resources 202
A.Books&Publications .......................................... 202
.l
B. Videos & Slide Presentations 207
General Audiences ............................................... 207
C. Organizations & Programs 210
Section2. CompostingBins& Supplies 212
A. Vermicomposting Supplies ...................................... 212
B. Backyard Composting Bins ......................................214
C.Tools .......................................................221
Appendices
~
Glossaryof Terms
viii THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL

I N T R O D U C T I O N
What Is Backyard Composting?
Backyardcomposting refersto avariety of practiceswhich indi-
vidualscan use to manage organicmaterials, includingland-
scape trimmings and food scraps, at home.All backyard compost-
ing techniques utilize the natural activity of bacteria, fungi and other
soilorganismsto decomposeorganicmaterials and return them to
the soil.Decomposedorganic material--compost-is essential to healthy gardens
and landscapes.
Backyard compostingpractices include landscapedesign and maintenance
approaches which actually prevent the generationof landscapetrimmings. The
most common and effectivelandscape trimmings reduction techniqueis
grasscycling,which means leaving grass clippingson the lawn. Backyard compost-
ing also refersto the controlled decomposition of yard trimmingsand kitchen
scrapsin compost bins or piles.
While backyard composting is a time-honoredpractice of gardenersand
thrifty people, it has fallen into disuse in recent years. In its absence, the simplicity
and virtue of backyard compostinghas been obscured by myths that it is difficult
or unsanitary. Chapter One of this Handbook provides clear explanations of how
the compostingprocess works, and describeshow to safelycompostat home using
a wide selection of systems.
'
The Benefitsof BackyardComposting
Backyardcomposting can be the most economical and environmentalway to
manageorganic materialsproduced at home. It is not the solution for diverting
all household organicdiscards; but compostingas much organicmaterial at home
as is practicalshould be encouraged.The benefits of backyard compostinginclude
Diverts OrganicMaterials from Landfills-Up to 30 percent of residential
garbage can be diverted from landfillsby backyard composting. Keeping
these materials at home prolongs the life of landfills, and reducesthe
expensesand environmental impacts associated with them. A 1995study
conducted for the National Backyard Composting Program found that
backyard compostingprograms surveyeddiverted an average of 646
pounds of organic materials per year from each participating household.
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL ix

@?,v
$
SavesMoney-Every pound of organic material composted at home is one
lessthat must be collected, transported, and deposited in landfills,
incinerated or processed at a centralized composting facility.Avoiding each
of these steps savesthe communitymoney. In addition, residents who
compost can save money on disposaland get a free soil amendmentwhich
improvesthe health of their gardens and reduces maintenance costs. The
Program’ssurveyshowedthat backyard composting programscost the
surveyedcommunitiesan averageof $12per ton diverted,versus an
averageof $32per ton for disposal, plus collection costs.Even centralized
composting costs an averageof $26 per ton processed, plus collection costs.
Garden Chemicals-Use of compost improvesany soil.Compostmakes
soilsbetter able to absorb and retain moisture; reducing runoff, erosion and
irrigation needs. It suppliesand storesnutrients; so lessfertilizeris needed
and what is added stays in the soil instead of running off into streams,lakes
or oceans. Plants growbetter with compost, so fewer pesticides are required.
Raises Awareness of Recycling and Waste Reduction Efforts-Composting
at home is a great way to start peoplethinking aboutwhat is in their
garbage, and is a “hands-on”introduction to recycling processes. Once
people feel empoweredto deal with the organicpart of their garbage, they
get active in other waste reduction and recycling activities.
amountsof carbon monoxide, particulatesand carcinogenichydrocarbons
which are irritantsand cause health problems. Composting replaces this
hazardous practice with a healthy activity.
Builds Community Pride-In a time when people feel helplessin the faceof
environmentaland social problemsthat seem too big for individuals or
communitiesto solve, backyard composting provides a way that people can
make a visible, positive contribution.
using compost in their gardens, they will also purchase commercial
compost made from yard trimmingscollection programs and other organic
materials.
Improves Soil and Plant Health, ConservesWater and ReducesUse of
Prevents Harmful Effects of Leaf Burning-Leaf burning produces large
Creates Markets for Recycled Materials-Oncepeople learn the benefitsof
Promoting BackyardCompostingwith Public
Educationand Involvement Programs
There are many activitiesand policies that communitiescan support to en-
courage citizens to start backyard composting. They can be grouped into four
broad types:
Education and Outreach activities are the most common componentsin
backyard compostingprograms. They include distributionof HOW-TObrochures
and other printed materials, constructionof composting demonstrationsites and
displays, school programs, phone information lines, and training volunteersto
make presentations to communitygroups. i
X THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL‘S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINCPROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL

$qg*,

Compostbinsandtools can be provided directly to residents to encourage
f them to start composting. Communitieshave used a variety of approaches to qet
compost bins and tools into backyards, including delivery of free bins to residents,
distributionof subsidized or at-cost bins at workshops, and provision of rebate
coupons for grasscycling mowers or retrofits.
regardlessof what other componentsare included. Special events, advertising
campaigns, public service announcements, and direct mail campaigns are com-
monly used to promotebackyard composting.
Complementarypoliciesandfinancialincentivescan make backyard
composting more appealing to residents by making disposal and other alternatives
more expensive or less convenient. Charging customersby the volume of material
they dispose isa big incentiveto compost. Many communitieshave outright bans
on disposal of leavesor anyyard trimmings.
This Handbookdescribes many possible program componentsand discusses
their costs and effectiveness to help you choosewhich ones make sense for your
community's needs and resources. It alsoprovidesspecificdescriptionsof how to
implement the componentsthat you choose.
Promotionandpublicitycampaignsare typically a part of every program,
Using This Trainer's Handbook
ThisHandbook providesinformationintendedto enableyou to plan and
implement a backyard compostingprogramin your community.Before de-
signing and implementinga program, you should feelcomfortable with your
knowledgeof backyard composting and with the program information included
here. It is designed to be used as a referenceguide, as well as a text to follow during
the National Backyard Composting Program workshop.
The Handbook contains examples of promotionsand outreach materials,
plans for displaysand demonstration sites,computerdisks or CD-ROMcontaining
clip art and text for brochures, and other materials that you can reproduce or use
as guidesfor creating your own informational pieces.
Chapters are arranged to follow the chronologyof workshop topics. The
chapters are designed to enable you to:
Explain the biologyof composting,home compostingmethods andthe
benefitsof anduses for compost.(Chapter 1)
Describe the essential stepsfor planning andorganizinga home
compostingprogram. (Chapter 2)
Utilize avariety of educational tools. (Chapter3)
Organizea composting bin program.(Chapter4)
Develop andimplement a home compostingpromotional campaign.
(Chapter5)
Evaluatethe effectivenessof a home compostingprogram. (Chapter6)
Locate informationand resources.(Chapter 7)
Have hn, and good luck!
i
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL xi

C H A P T E R 1
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARDCOMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL

C H A P T E R
2 THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL

MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
In This Chapter...
Compostingis nature's way of recycling
organic materials. All living things are
organic and will naturally decompose.
In natural systemsdead plants and
animals fall to the ground and are
decomposedby bacteria, fungi and other organ-
isms.When people manage this process to turn
organicmaterials into soil amendments,it is
called composting.Compostis the dark, loose,
i> earthy-smellingmaterial found on the forest
floor,under the grass in a meadow, and under a
pile of old leavesin your garden.
Compostincludes both stabilized organic
material and the living organisms which
continually recycle nutrients from dead plants
and animals. The finishedcompost and the organ-
ismsthat make it are each vital to the health of plants,
soil and entire ecosystems.
our garbage, and the role of backyard composting in getting organics out of
the trash and into the garden. It describesspecificways to reduce and reuse our
valuable organicresourcesto make our gardens and our communitieshealthier
and moresustainable.
This chapter provides an overview of the role that organic materials fill in
Section6 ComDostUsesand Beneficial Effects
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARDCOMPOSTINGPROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 3

C H A P T E R 1
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
gTj
Section 1. Organic MaterialsMANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
In Our Garbage
America is throwing away valuable organic resources. Most of what we con-
sume and throw away everyday is organic material suitablefor composting
(Figure 1.1). A 1993 study commissionedby the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection
Agency estimatedthat 75 percent (byweight)of what Americansthrowaway is
organic materials (Figure1.2).
Seventy-five
percent of what
Americans
throw away is
organic.
4
Figure 1.1
Common Organic Materials
~~
Food-Fruits, vegetables, grains, eggs, dairy products, meatandfish
Clothingand Furnishings-Cotton, wool, burlap, leather, feathers and down
BuildingMaterials-Lumber, plywoodand other wood basedmaterials
Paper Products-Paper, newsprint, cardboard and tissues
By-products-Foodprocessingby-products, sawdust, blood, bonesandfur
AnimalWastes-Manure, beddingand hair
LandscapeTrimmings-Grass clippings, leaves, prunings, fallenbranchesand trees
In a typical household,yard trimmingsand food scraps make up over25
percent of what is discardedin the garbage. Seasonalfluctuations can bring yard
trimmingsalone to over 50percent for many households.
When organic materials decomposein a landfill, serious and costly prob-
lems result. Burying organicmaterials in landfills not only squandersresources
that are badly needed in our soils,they are also creating expensiveenvironmental
problems.Decomposition in the absenceof air, such as in a landfill, is slow,creates
odorsand generatesmethane gas. Methanecan build up in landfills, or migrate
underground to nearby buildings, creating danger of explosion.Monitoring and
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL

C H A P T E R 1
- controlling the problems caused by organicmaterials makes landfillsexpensive to MANAGING
f build and operate. YARD
TRIMMINGSCommunitiesall overAmerica are using the natural processes of decom-
positionto “Reduce,Reuse and Recycle’’organicresources. & ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
Reduce -People are developinglandscapesand maintenance practicesthat
mimicnaturalsystemsand compostyard trimmingsrightwhere they
fall. One of the simplestand most effectivemethodsfor reduction is
grasscycling-leaving grassclippings on the lawn to nourish new growth.
Reuse-Many organicmaterialsarebeing put back to use in the homes
and gardenswherethey are generated.Yard trimmings and foodscraps
are composted at home forreuse in landscapesand gardens. Manyyard
trimmingsare used as mulch to protect the soil, suppressweeds and
conservewater.
Recycling -Organicmaterials that are difficultto manage at home are
collected in many communitiesand taken to large facilitiesto be
compostedor processed into mulchto sell as landscaping materials.
Harnessingthe power andbenefitsof decompositionis not a new discov-
ery. Farmers have known about the value of organic
Forty CenturiesF.H. King(’) describes how Asian
growershave maintained soil fertilityfor hundreds
of generationsby compostingand applyingcrop ..
residues and animal manures.
In the 1990sAmericais RE-discovering
composting.Farmers and gardenersin America
have traditionallytilled in crop remains and
animal manure. Manyhome gardenersstill
practice the composting methodspassed on
‘7 ‘ . ‘T
fromtheir parents and grandparents. Yet in the
20th century chemical fertilizers(temporarily)
replaced compost as a major sourceof nutrients in the
garden. Inexpensivetransportation combined with poorly -,?
regulated garbage dumps have made it seem more economi- 7q
matter in the soil for thousands of years. In Farmersof ... rr. ..
*!
.;N.? c.; ..
v
cal to treat organic resources like trash than to reuse it. s y
Section2. Regulatory and Economic
Incentivesfor Composting
Legislationto protectthe qualityof our air, water, soil and health has created
new incentivesfor composting.During the 1980s, citizen and government recog-
nition of the problemsassociatedwith disposing of organic materials in landfills
grewdramatically.Regulation on federal, state, and local levelshas helped to bring
1 the true long-termcosts of disposing of our resources into the equation of what we
pay in the short term. These changes make clearer the economicand environmen-
tal wisdom ofcomposting.
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL‘S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINCPROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 5

CHAPTER 1
- - 1Federal Legislation:ResourceConservationandMANAGING
YARD
KecoveryACETRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
Y%’?)
& $ j
The National Resource Conservation and RecoveryAct (RCRA) has been a
catalystto keeping organic materials out of landfills. RCRA requiresstatesto
developsafemanagement standardsfor siting,operatingand closinglandfills.
RCRA provisions include:
New landfillspermitted after October 9,1993must meet stringent siting
standards related to soil geology,proximityto wetlands, impactson
neighboringland uses and ground water.
New and existing landfills must control stormwaterrunoff, monitor
groundwater quality, and remedy any contamination that is detected.
In most situations,landfillsmust install impermeablelinersbelow new
burial areasto collectwater for treatment,as well as systemsto collectand
burn or reclaim methane gas (Figure 2.3).
Closed landfillsmust be covered with impermeablelayersof plasticand
compacted soil to keep rainwaterfrom leachingthrough.Groundwater
qualityand methane generationmust be monitored for 30 yearsafter
closure.
Carrying out the RCRA mandates is a giant steptowardsaddressingmany of
the environmentalproblemsassociatedwith landfills.
Figure 2.3
Modern LandfillCutawayDiagram
to flare or
)duction
Source: Russ Beebe illustration based on Waste Management Inc. brochure.
6 THECOMPOSTINCCOUNCIL‘SNATIONALBACKYARD COMPOSTINGPROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

C H A P T E R 1
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
.”) State and Local Regulations
/
uver naif orme Utllted Stateshave banned or significantly restricted disposal
of yard trimmings in landfills. The costsrelated to bringing landfillsinto compli-
ance with new standardshave provided the impetusformany statesto establish
waste reductionand recycling priorities, and to limit disposalof yard trimmings. A
current list of state bans ispresented in Figure 1.4. Somestatesspecificallyrequire
composting of leaves,or all yard trimmingsgeneratedby governmentagencies, or
other portions of the organicstream. Manystateshave passed bans in association
with specificgoals forwaste reductionand recycling of the entire waste stream.
Meeting these diversion goals will require compostingto be a primary strategy.
Many communities and regional authorities have banned burning of
leaves and land clearing debris. Backyard burning is a dirty, inefficient process
that produceslarge amounts of health-threateningpollutants in the formof par-
ticulates, hydrocarbonsand carbon monoxide.Particulatesare irritantsto the eyes
and respiratory system, and can cause infections,impairedbreathing and asthma
if inhaled. Polynuclearhydrocarbonsproduced in leaf burning are known carcino-
gens. Backyard compostingprovides an attractive solution to managing leaves
when this unhealthy alternative is banned.@)
i
Section3. Economicsof Backyard
Com.r>ostinaProaramsI J J
Backyard composting is often the most economical way to manage yard
trimmings and other organics. Promotionof home compostingprovidescommu-
nities with substantial economicbenefitswhen comparedto collectingorganic
materials fordisposal or centralizedcomposting.A relativelysmall investmentin
motivating citizensto compost can be repaid many times over through savingson
the collection and disposalor centralized compostingof organicmaterial that
participants compostat home. These savingsare referred to as “avoidedcosts.”The
avoidedcostsof collectingand managing organicsare the primary economic
benefitused to justify expenditureson backyard compostingprograms.
A Cost-BenefitAnalysisof HomeComposting Programs in the United
States, conducted for the Composting Council in 1995,showedthat the aver-
age avoided costs resulting from backyard composting in surveyed communi-
ties was $32per ton for disposal, plus collection costs. Even centralizedcompost-
ing costs an average of $26 per ton processed, plus collectioncosts. In contrast, the
average costof divertinga ton of organic material through backyardcomposting
programs was $12.Avoidedcoststhrough backyard compostingvanes substan-
tially for each community, depending on collectionand disposalsystems,labor
and land costs, and other factors.A copy of the Cost-BenefitAnalysisis included as
an appendix to this handbook.
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL‘S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 7

CHAPTER 1
Figure 1.4
STATE LEG1SlATlON DESCRlPTlON EFFECTIVEDATE
4labama Act. NO.990-564 All state-fundedagencies must recycleyard January1991
trimmings; 10%of the 1995 25% diversion goalcan
comefrom composting& mulching.
from disposalsites: 50% beginningJuly1993; 75%
beginningJuly1994; 95% beginningJuly1995.
4rkansas SB 420 Leaves, grass, brushandtree pruningsare banned July1993
Connecticut PA90.220 Leaves must be composted. January1991
Districtof Columbia Yard trimminasbannedfrom landfills. October 1989
Florida SB 1192 Yard trimmingsbannedfrom landfills. January1992
Seorgia SolidWaste Cities, counties, solidwaste managementauthorities July1990
Management
Act of 1990
may requirethat yardtrimmings be source-separated,
or bannedfrom disposal at municipalsolidwaste
facilities, or sortedand storedfor collectionto
facilitate collection, composting, or other handling.
HB 257 Cities, counties, solidwaste managementauthorities September 1996
shall banyardtrimmingsfrom disposalfacilities
havingliners and leachate collectionsystemsor
requiringvertical expansion. Yard trimmingsmustbe
sorted andstockpiledor chipped, composted, used
as mulch, or otherwise beneficiallyreusedor recycled
to the maximumextentfeasible.
to banor requiresourceseparation of greenmaterials
from enteringthe disposalfacility.
Hawaii Administrative Dept. of Health requiresall counties to developa plan December1993
RulesTitle 11,
Chapter 58.1
Illinois PA-86-1430 Yard trimmingsbannedfrom landfills, unlessit is July1990
comPostedat the landfilland such comDostis used
as fiial vegetative cover or soil conditioAer.
landclearingbannedfrom landfills, except if usedas
landfillcover materialafter composting, or if putina
landfillthat producesmethaneand producesenergy.
Yardtrimmingsfromlandscapingmaintenanceandland
clearingmay not be mixedwith othersolidwaste.
usesitfor soil conditioningor composting.
Municipalitieswhich providecollectionmustprovide
Indiana S 25 Yard trimmingsfrom landscaping maintenanceand September 1994
June1994
Iowa Title VIII, Yard trimmingsbannedfrom landfills, unlesslandfill January1991
SolidWaste
Management& Yard trimmingsmustbesource-separated. March1991
Disposal,
Chapter 105 yard trimmingscollection.
Maryland H 1088 Yard trimmingscollectedseparately from othersolid October1992
waste may betaken to a compostingfacility. Source-
separatedyard trimmingsbannedfrom refuse
disposal systems, unlessthewaste is to be composted
or mulched.
Massachusetts By Regulation Yard trimmings bannedfrom landfills. January1992
(continues)
8 THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

CHAPTER 1
Figure 1.4 (continued)
STATE LEGISLATION DFVRIPTloN
Michigan PA 264 Yard trimmingsfrom state and municipalland September 1993
cccc-
bannedfrom landfills.Yard trimmings bannedfrom
landfillsand incinerators.
PA 267 Openburningof yard trimmingsbanned, with March 1995
certainexceptions.
Minnesota 115A.931 Yard trimminasbannedfrom landfills. lanuarv1992
Missouri SB 530 Yard trimmingsbannedfrom landfills. Department
anticipatesand recommendsthat mostyard
trimminascan becomr>osted.
January1992
Nebraska LB 1257 Yard trimmingsbannedfrom landfills; source
separatedyardtrimmingsmay be accepted by a
landfillfor soil conditioninaor comDostina.
~anuary1992
NewHampshire HB 646-FN Yard trimmingsbannedfrom landfillsandwaste-to- July1993
NewJersey PL 1987, C.102 Onlycompostingfacilitiesor recyclingcenters may September 1988
energyfacilities.
acceDt truckloads or roll-offcontainers of leaves.
PL 1989, C.151 Leavescollectedby a municipalitymust betaken to
an approvedcompostingfacilityor recyclingcenter.
Leavesmay not betakento an out-of-statefacility
except as approved. Municipalitiesmustprovidefor
collectionof leavesat residences,and requiresource-
separation of leaves by residents, or, municipalities
may requireresidentsto compost or mulchtheir
leaves.
April 1989
NewYork Yard trimmingsmust besource-separatedif September1992
economicallyfeasible.
NorthCarolina SB 111 Yard trimmingsbannedfrom sanitary landfills. January1993
Ohio Source-separatedyard trimmingsbannedfrom February 1995
landfills, incineratorsandtransfer stationsincounties
with compostingfacilities.
All source-separatedyard trimmingsmustgo to a
compostingfacility.
homecompostingshould be promoted.
landfillsandwaste-to-energy facilities.
trimmings bannedfrom landfillsunlessitis to be
August 1995
Oregon SB 66 Yard trimmingsshould be collectedandcomposted, July1992
Pennsylvania 101.oo Truckloadsconsistingof primarilyleaves bannedfrom September I990
SouthCarolina SolidWaste Policy Yard trimmingsmustbesource-separated.Yard May 1993
SouthDakota HB 1001 Yard trimmingsbannedfrom landfills. January1995
rlirginia HB 198 Any county, city, or town may ban leavesor grass January1995
& Management
Act of 1991 composted.
clippingsfrom landfills, if they have a suitable
compostingprogram.
NestVirginia SB 18 Yard trimmings bannedfrom solidwastefacilities. June1996
Msconsin 1989Act 335 Yard trimmingsbannedfrom landdisposal; it may January1993
not be burnedwithout enerqv recovery.
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL'S NATIONALBACKYARD COMPOSTINCPROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 9

CHAPTER 1
MANAGING The National Backyard Composting Program's Cost-BenefitAnalysis
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
f.:q
g$+J
YARD
TRIMMINGS
provides tools to help calculatethe economicbenefits of backyard composting 1
in your community. The Analysis includesworksheets and a computerspread-
sheet program to use for estimatingthe costs and benefits of a backyard compost-
ing program. Theseestimatesare useful for planning, securing funding for and
evaluating backyard composting programs.
Onegram of
the common
bacteria
Escherichiacoli,
would become a
pound in three
hours, and a
mass the size of
the earth in one
and a half days
if sufficient food
and proper
conditions were
available.
Luckily,these
conditions have
never been met!
10
Section4. TheBiologyof Composting
Composting involvesawide variety of organismswhich are naturally present
in organic matter. Bacteria perform the primary breakdown of organic materials
and generate the heat associated with composting.Othercomposters,including
microbes, fungi, worms and a host of invertebratesalso take part in the compost-
ing process. Somedecomposer organisms,such as rodentsand flies,can become
pests in compostsystems. The make-up and conditionsof organic materials influ-
encehow long composting takes.
BacteriaAre the Powerhouse
of the Compost Pile1
Bacteria perform the primary breakdown of
organic materials and generatethe heat associ-
ated with composting. Bacteria don't have to be
added to the compost. They are present virtually
everywhere, and enterthe pile on every single bit
of organic matter. Manytypes of bacteria partici-
pate in the composting process, thriving at differ-
ent temperatures and on different materials.
Somebacteria decompose organic
matter even at temperaturesbelow
freezing.
Compostpiles do not have to get hot to decompose. Many composting
bacteria flourish at temperaturesof 70"-90"F (23"-32"C).
The most rapid and efficientdecompositiontakes place at temperatures
between 100"and 120°F(38'49°C).
Most weed seeds,human and plant pathogens are destroyed ataround
130"-140°F (49'44°C). Most home compostingsystemsdo not uniformly
achievethese temperatures, and should not be relied on to destroyweed
seedsand pathogens.
Compostpiles should be kept below 140°F(60°C). Bacteria and other
decomposersdie or become inactiveand nitrogen is lost when temperatures
rise above 140°F(60°C).
I I'
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARDCOMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

C H A P T E R I
Given the proper conditionsbacteria flourish and reproduce rapidly.
Bacteria thrive on balanced levels of moisture and aeration, a favorable
Dcuance or carbon and nitrogen, and lots of surfacearea to work on.
With the right conditions,bacteria reproduce geometrically.Theydivide
by simplylaying down a wall through the middle of their bodiesand
becoming two. Then they do it again and become four, then eight, sixteen,
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
thirty-two...
p$$
NonbacterialComposters
Nonbacterial composters including fungi, worms and a host of invertebrates
take part in the composting process. As Figure 1.5 illustrates, someof these
organismsfeed directlyon plant tissues, helping bacteria in the primary decompo-
sition stages.Others feed on the primary decomposersand their by-products.Any,
all or none of these decomposersmay be presentin a compostpile dependingon
conditionssuch as how the compostpile is made, the local climate and the season.
It is useful to be aware of their value, lestthey be mistaken as pests.
Figure 1.5
Food Web ofthe Compost Pile
Source: The Decomposer Food Web, by Dr. Daniel L. Dindal (with permission)
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARDCOMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL
11

C H A P T E R 1
SCRAPS Actinomycetes produce greyish growths
. ATHOME throughout compost, and give the pile a pleasing,
earthy smell. They thrive on woody materials, and
feed on woody materials and durable leaf
tissues,and are often mistaken as pests.
Redwormsplay an important part
in breaking down organicmateri-
als and stabilizingfinished
compost.They coat organic
materials with a mucus-like film
that binds small particles together
and protect nutrients from leaching.
Second-and third-level decompos-
ers feed on organic materials, and
on primary decomposers and
their wastes. Common examples
includenematodes, mites, spring-
tails and centipedes.Nematodes, or
roundworms, are the most abundant invertebrates
in the soil.Though there are pest formsof nematodes,
most are beneficial. Theyprey on bacteria, protozoa,
fungal spores and each other. Mold mites, also called fer-
mentation mites, feed on yeastsin fermenting materials.
They can become pests in wine-and cheese-making
processes, but they are not pests in the com-
ost pile. Springtails feed principally on
fungi, although they also eat nema-
todes and small bits of organic
detritus. Centipedes are
frequentlyfound in compost
piles, they prey on almost
any invertebrate near
their size or smaller.
12 THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL’S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL

Pests of the Compost Pile'z
C H A P T E R 1
MANAGING
YARD
of compostpiles include:
Rodents
Houseand fruit flies
Raccoons
Domesticpets such as cats and dogs.
Excluding attractivefood from compost-
ing systemscanprevent rats and otherpests
SCRAPS
from becoming aproblem. Most municipali-
ties and public health authoritiesrecommend
not to compostmeat, chickenand fish remains,
*
& ORGANIC
'W1
pet food,cheeseand other animal products.At home,
rats and domesticpets are attracted to the same high-quality foodsthat humans
like to eat, especiallyanimal products.In improperlymanaged compostingsys-
tems, rats increase quicklyand they may become
. transmittersof disease.
: Many communitiesrestrictcomposting
of vegetative kitchenscrapsto special com-
posting systemsdesigned to excluderodents.
Approved methodsfor compostingvegetative
food scraps in somecommunitiesincludebins
th secure lidsand bases, worm bins, food scrap
digesters,and garden burial. Rodent resistant bins
should have no openings larger than Y4"wide. A
few communitiesrecommendnot composting
I,
scrapsat home in any system.
Pet fecesshouldnot be composted;they can
contain diseasesthat are dangerousto humans.
Wastes from pets including dogs, cats, and birds
can carrypathogens such as Toxoplasmosis,which can be transmitted to humans,
particularly children and pregnant women. Feces from these domesticanimals
should be buried in non-foodgrowing gardens or flushed down the toilet or .--
@,I gg-
Pet feces
should not be
composted; they
can contain
diseases that
are dangerous
to humans.
p , FW-X q
s d &&j
into the trash.
backyard composting.Manyplant diseasesand pests can be
spread in the garden through use of infestedleaves and other
parts. Home compostingsystemsdo not typically generate
enough heat to destroyplant diseasesand pests.
Compostpiles are sometimesincorrectlyblamed
for spreading diseases.Aspergillis, a mold which can cause
severerespiratoryproblemsin susceptibleindividuals, has been
associatedwith large compostingoperations. However, research showsthat
Aspergilluscommonlyoccursin nature. Home compostpiles are not responsiblefor
significant elevations of background levels.(3)In addition, Blastomycosishas incor-
rectlybeen linkedwith home compostpiles.
Diseasedand insectinfestedplants shouldnot be usedin
1
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 13

CHAPTER 1
MANAGING
FactorsAffecting the Composting ProcessYARD
TRIMMINGS Five factorsinfluence how long composting takes
MANAGING
FactorsAffecting the Composting ProcessYARD
SCRAPS
AT HOME size of particles
LgiJ
carbon and nitrogencontentof materials
0 moisturecontentof materials
aeration of materialsin the compost
volumeof materials
With ideal compostingconditions,high
e.. >>..
temperatureswill be generated to destroy
weeds and pathogens, and organic materials
can be composted in severalweeks. In lessthan
perfect condition,decompositionmay take several
materials, compostingwill happen in a matter of time.
Carbon and Nitrogen Content of Materials
Decomposer microorganismsuse carbon (C) for energy and nitrogen (N) for
building cells. Figure 2.6lists common organicmaterialsand identifieswhether
they are relativelyrich in carbon or nitrogen. Given a steadydiet at 30parts of
carbonto 1 part of nitrogen,bacteria can decomposeorganicmaterialvery quickly
(seeFigure 1.7).
Materials that are high Figure 2.6
IAverage Carbon:NitrogenRatiosin carbon, such aswoody
branches, break down
very slowly.
Materials that are too
Foodscraps 15:l
Grass clippings 19:l GREENS
Rottedmanure 25:lrich in nitrogen, like
grass‘clippings, can
create bad odors in a
compostpile. Corn stalks
I Leaves
60:1
40-80:l
Straw 80:l BROWNS
170:l
Sawdust, wood chip 500:l
Materials high in nitrogen
are often referredto as“greens,”
and carbon-richmaterials as
“browns.”These termsare useful
for teaching compostingto non-
technicalaudiences.
14 THE COMPOSTINGCOUNCIL‘S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

--
C H A P T E R 1
branches are relativelyhigh in carbon (high C:N,
significantlymore than 301).
Combining “green”and “brown”materials can create a mix with
the optimal carbon to nitrogen ratio. An equal mixture of brown autumn
Figure 1.7
Carbon:NitrogenRatios Effects
On Composting
leaves (401 ratio) and green grassclippings (201 ratio) will make a pile with the
ideal 301 ratio. Mixing to achieve
an optimal C:N ratio works best on
a weightbasis, but rough volume
measuresare usually adequate for
most composters.
Altemating layersof “Green”
and “Brown”materials is a good
way to proportion them, but
always mix the layers so that
decomposersget a balanced diet.
Brown materials such as
autumn leaves or straw can
easilybe stored to mix with green
grass clippingsthrough spring and
summer.Greens, however, can’tbe
storedlong, sincethey will
decomposeor dry out.10 20 30 40
Days of decomposition
Particle
Size
Smallparticles decompose quicker than larger ones,
because more of the total volume is exposed to
decomposers. Chopping or shreddingcoarseand
woody materials before adding them to the compost
pile increasesthe surfacearea accessibleto decompos-
ers, and thereforespeedsup the compostingprocess
(seeFigure 1.8).
Twigs and leaves can be run over with a lawn
mower, or runthrough a leaf shredder to
speed their decomposition.
branches can be chopped with a machete, or
run through a shredder.
Brush and tree branches must be shreddedto
reduce their size. Chapter 7 containsa list of
sourcesfor shreddingand chipping equipment.
Sunflower and corn stalks,and palm
j
Figure 1.8
ParticleSize Effects On
Composting
10 20 30 40
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL’S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 15

C H A P T E R 1
x
’r
MANAGING Moisture and Aeration
. . ..YARD
rr
take place.
Too much air circulatingin the pile can make the pile too dry for
bacteria and other decomposersto function. Inadequate moisture isthe
most common problem limiting backyard compostpiles.
If the pile is too wet, anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in the absenceof
air, can take over the pile. Anaerobic decompositionis slow,producesan
odor similarto rotten eggs, and by-productsthat are toxic to plants.
Compostpiles can also become anaerobic due to the settling of materials
during decomposition,which preventsair flow. This is a commonproblem
with compostinggrass clippings.
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
The optimal moisture level for compostingis 40-60 percent -about us
moist as a wrung-outsponge. Materialsshould be obviouslymoist to touch, but
yield no liquid when squeezed.Thislevel of moisture provides organismsa thin
film of water on materials, while still allowing air into pore spaces.
If a compost pile is too wet
or compacted, it should be Figure 1.9
turned (pulledapart and
restacked) or “fluffed”with a
pitchfork, to allowair back
into the pile. Figure 1.9
showsthe effectregular
turning can have on
composting.Mixing coarse
materials such as leaves,
straw, or corn or palm stalks
also helps to aerate compost
piles.
becomes dry it needs to be
pulled apart and watered
as it is restacked. Watering
an intact pile is not an
effectiveway to moisten a
dry pile: dry organic
If a compostingpile
Turning Frequency EffectsOn
Composting
160
140L L
Y
3 120
g 100
e
n
I-
a,
8o -I10 20 30 40
materials often shed water like a rain coat. Dry materials should be
gradually wetted with a fine sprayand mixed until they glisten with
moisture. Prolonged exposureto rains can effectivelysoak a dry
compost pile.
Cover compost piles once materials are uniformly moist to retain moisture
and prevent nutrients from leaching out in rainfall. Plastic sheeting, burlap
scraps, strawor plywood laid directly on a pile can help to maintain moisture.
16 THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL‘S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

C H A P T E R 1
Volume Fiqure 1.10
-31 Fnr pffiripnt p T n & n y
post pile must be large enough to
hold heat and moisture, but
small enough to admit air to the
center. A pile that is approxi-
mately 1yd.3, or 18ft3(3'tall by 3'
wide by 3' long) is optimal for
home compostpiles. Figure I.I O
showsthe effect pile volume can
have on decomposition.
Smallpiles dry out quickly,
and cannot retain the heat
required for quick
composting.
Many compost bins insu-
late the sidesof smaller
piles, sothat temperatures
.-
Pile Volume Effects On
Composting
160
-140LL
0
Y
+5 120
2
e
a
100
80
I I I I
10 20 30 40
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
and moisture can be maintained with smaller
volumes.
Pilesthat are larger than 5'tall by 5' wide of any
length must be turned frequentlyor have air blown
through the pile to prevent anaerobicconditions.
Time and Temperature
Organic materials made with the proper balance of
materials,particle size, moisture, aeration and volume Optimalcompostpilesize
-. will decomposefaster and at a
higher temperature than materials with an imbal-
A compost pile that is made with the proper
materials can heat up to 170°F (76OC) and
produce usable compost in asshort as 1month.
However,it is best to keep temperaturesbelow 140°F
ance of any of these factors.
(60°C),to avoid killing beneficial organisms and
losing nutrients. Turning a hot pile will cool it off.
With less attention to the materials used and the
environmentprovided for them, composting will be cooler and slower,
but will stillproduce good compost.
Figure 1.11 identifiesthe most common problems encounteredwith com-
post piles, and suggests solutions.Figure 1.12 lists acceptableand unacceptable
ingredientsfor compost piles, and indicatesthe basic chemical component for
+ each ingredient.
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINCPROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 17

CHAPTER 1
Figure 1.11
SYMPTOM POSSIBLECAUSE POSSIBLESOLUTlON/ALTERNATIVE
Compostpile is damp and Gather enough materialto form a pile 3' by 3' by 3'
warm in the middle, but and/or insulate the sides and cover the top.
nowhereelse.
The pilemay be too small.
Compostpile isn't heatingup. If it seems damp and
sweet-smelling, it may be
a lackof nitrogen.
Not enoughoxygen.
Cool weather.
The pilemay betoo small.
Pile was built over several
months. finishedcompost.
Compostmaybefinished.
Lackof water.
Mix infresh grass clippings, manure, blood mealor other
materialhigh in nitrogen.If itis difficultto turn the pile,
create holesinthe pileandadd the nitrogen-richmaterial.
Turnor fluff the pile.
Increasepilesize and/or insulate itwithstraw or a plastic
cover.
Gather enough materialto form a pile 3' by 3' by 3'
and/or insulate the sides and cover the top.
Don't worry about it. Let pilecompost "cold." Checkfor
If it looksdark and crumblyand smellsearthy (not moldy
or rotten), it may be done. Useit!
Turnthe compostand addwater. Moistennew materials
beforeaddingto the pile. If the pile is out inthe open,
consider coveringwith a straw or plastic cover. The pile
should beas damp as a wrungoutsponge throughout.
Compaction, pooraeration. Break up layerswith garden fork, or shredthem, then
relayerpile. Avoid adding heavy layersof leaves, grass
clippings, hayor paper unlessfirstshredded.
Compost pile isn't heatingup.
The pile is dry throughout.
Matted, undecomposedlayers
of leavesor grassclippings.
Large, undecomposeditems. Size and compositionof
materials.
Screenout undecomposeditems, reduce size if necessary
and useina newpile.
Compostpile hasa badodor
likea mixture of rancidbutter,
vinegar and rotten eggs.
Not enoughoxygen,
too wet.
Not enoughoxygen,
compacted.
Pile may havetoo much
Turn the pileand add coarsedry materialssuch as leaves,
straw, or cornstalks to soak upexcess moisture. Protect
the pilefrom rainusinga plastic film or other cover.
Turnthe pileand shake materialsapartto aerate.
Add materialshigh in carbonsuch as shreddedleaves,
and aerate.
Compostpilehasa badodor
likeammonia. nitrogen. non-treatedwood chips, sawdustor shreddednewsprint
Compostpile is attracting
rats, raccoons, dogs, flies or
other pests.
Compostpilecontains
earwigs, slugs and/or
other insects.
Inappropriatefood scraps
may havebeenadded:
meat, fat, bones, or other
animal by-products.
Pileis compostingcorrectly.
Avoid addingsuch material; usea rodent-resistantbin
with a top, bottomand sides. Bury non-fattykitchen
by-products8"-12" deep inthe pile.See moredetailed
informationon acceptablefood scraps in Figure1.27.
Insectsare a goodsign of a productivecompost pile.
Note: slugslive happilyincompost piles. Ifthe pileis next
to a garden, barrierscan be placed betweenthe pileand
nearbygardenwith traps, metalflashing, etc.
18 THE COMPOSTINCCOUNCIL'S NATIONALBACKYARDCOMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAININGMANUAL

C H A P T E R 1
Figure 1.12
Compost Pile Inqredients:Yes or No
Note: The presenceof a C, N or 0 inthe C:N columnindicateswhether the C:N valuesof the material
tend to becarbonaceous (C), nitrogenous(N), or other (0).
MATERIAL USE? C:N COMMENTS
Algae andseaweed Yes N Goodnutrientsource
Ash from charcoal No
or coal
Ashes from wood Yes, but 0 Can causenutrientimbalanceproblems. Use no more
fireplace or stove veryalkaline
Containssulfurdioxides, may harmplants in the garden.
than a fine sprinklingevery 18" or so.
material
Birddroppings No
Cardboard Yes C Use if itcannot be recycled.Best if shreddedintosmall
Droppingsfrom petbirdsmay containdiseaseorganisms
andweed seeds.
pieces.Glue isusuallyorganic.
Cat feces or litter No
Coffeegrounds Yes N Worms loveit.
Maycontaindkease organisms. Bury 5"deep in non-crop
soilsawayfrom lake, streamor well or putinthe trash.
Compostactivator Yes, but N Useisoptional. Millionsof peoplemakecompost
andstarters not required successfullywithout them.
Cornstalks,cobs Yes C Best if choppedup andmixedwith a sourceof nitrogen
Dogdroppings No Maycontaindiseaseorganisms.Bury5" deep in non-crop
soilsawayfrom lake, stream, or wellor put it in the trash.
Mayalso beflusheddowna toilet.
Diseasedplants No Piles oftendo notget hot enoughto destroyall diseases.
Dryerlint Yes N May needto be moistened.
Eggshells Yes 0 Breakdownslowly. Recommendedthatshellsbe crushed
Fishscraps No Attracts rodentsandflies.
Hair Yes N Add moistureand mix thoroughly inthe pile.
time Yes, but 0 Usesparingly. Limeconvertsammoniumnitrogeninto
ammoniagas, creatingan odor problem. Overlimingcan
also makea pile too alkalineandkill beneficial
microorganisms.Itis betterto add it to soil or finished
compost.
highwater content; mixwith drier materials.
Mayattractrodentsandother pests.
first.
not necessary
Manure(horse, cow, pig, Yes N Excellentsource of nitrogen.Freshmanurehasa
iheep, goat, chicken)
Meat, milk, meat scraps, No
grease, cheese, etc.
Iewspaper Yes C Use if it cannot berecycled. Recommendshreddinginto
smallpieces.Mostinkstoday are safefor garden use.
3ak leaves Yes C Recommendshredding.Very acidic anddecompose
slowly. Thecompostingprocesswill helpcounteractthe
acidity.
(continues)
'HE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONALBACKYARDCOMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
19

CHAPTER 1
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
Table 1.12 (continued)
IMATERIAL USE? C:N COMMENTS
I
Pinecones and needles Yes, but C Recommendshredding andadding insmallquantities.
(redwood, eucalyptus) use sparingly Othercompost pile materialswill neutralizetheir acid
effect.
Sawdustand wood Yes, but may C
shavings needto add treated wood.
extra nitrogen
Sod Yes N Compostseparately, grass sidedown. Coverwith black
Weeds Yes, but not N Annual weeds which havenotgone to seed can be
Has a highcarbon content. Avoid sawdustfrom pressure-
plasticto inhibit growth.
composted. Plantsthat spreadthrough roots or runners
suchas morningglory, quack grass, buttercupor ivy
should not be putfresh intocompost piles. Spreadthese
plantson pavementto dry thoroughlybeforeaddingto
compost.Homecompostpilesoftendo notget
uniformlyhot enoughto killseeds.
seeds or
spreading roots
Section5. Managing OrganicYard
Trimmingsand Food Scrapsat Home
The natural processes of decomposition can be used to dramatically reduce
and reuse yard trimmings and other organic materials at home.
Generation of yard trimmingscan be reduced at the sourcethrough
landscaping strategies and practices that mimic natural systems. Creating
natural plantings, grasscycling, and mulching with trimmings are all ways
to reduce landscapetrimmings.
Yard trimmingsand food scraps can be reused on-siteby composting them
for use in home gardens. A wide variety of backyard composting systems
are available to meet diverse individual needs and resources.
20 THE COMPOSTINCCOUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

C H A P T E R 1
An understanding of the natural processes of decompositionis essential for MANAGING
YARD) determiningwhich management practicesare best for a specificsituation.
dependson a variety of factors.Which systemis preferred in a given setting
i n e m4TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
dependson: SCRAPS
Volume and type of organic materials to be handled AT HOME
Laborand equipment available
Aestheticconsiderations
Enthusiasm of the resident
Availability of convenientand economicalcollection and centralized
processingalternatives
Spaceavailable
Backyard compostingeducationprogramsshouldbe designedtohelppeople
choosewhich methodsof managinglandscapetrim”gsare mostappropriate
fortheirunique situation.Thefirststepin selectinga managementstrategyfororganic
materialsgeneratedat homeisto understandthe availableoptions.
SectionSA.Source Reduction of
LandscapeTrimmings
) Landscape trimmingscan be reducedthrough simplechanges in maintenance
procedures, or by major changes in planting types.
Planting areas that mimic natural systems produce less waste than
”Crasscyc1ing”-leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing, makes
manicured plantings.
Source reductionof landscapetrimmings starts with rethinkingthe use of
plantingand managementpracticewhich generatehigh volumes of trim-
mings.Two main questionscan be asked help to determineif it is possibleto
reduce landscape trimmings.
1. How is the yard used?
How much lawn is necessaryforplay areas?
Are labor and resource consumingannual flower beds necessary?
Are there areas of the garden that can be put into low-maintenance
2. What level of maintenanceis essential for plant health and the reason-
Can grass trimmings be left on the lawn without impedingits use?
Can hedges be leftunsheared without offendingneighborsor infringing on
otheruses of garden space?
Can selectivepruning, mowing, wateringand fertilization reduceyard
trimmingswithout sacrificing the appearanceand health of your garden?
plantings or paved areas, or allowedto go a little “wild”?
able appearance of the yard?
,I
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL‘S NATIONAL BACKYARDCOMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 21

C H A P T E R 1
I I - * b )
MANAGINGYARD
Appropriate Landscape Designfor
TRIMMINGS rmu irniirlmrrjs M k h ~ i i
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
f$; I%E?
*u_%
pq $j;r $+ItS!h t:, *.k&
Waste Reduction
Design:
Cuts waste
and lowers
maintenance
needs.
Saves water
and fertilizer.
Requires time
and effort to
establish new
Planting areas that mimic natural systemsproduce less waste than manicured
plantings, and require less maintenance.
Reducing the amount of lawn can dramatically reduce the volume of
landscapetrimmings generated in a yard.
Natural style landscapes are more diverse, healthier,easierto maintain.
Large mixed-plantingbeds and natural stylewoodland plantings create
self-sustainingorganic recycling systems. Fallen leavesand twigs can be left on
the surface of woodland plantings as a natural mulch. Trimmingsfrom planting
beds can be shredded or composted before returning them to the beds asmulch.
Create planting beds to connect existing tree or shrubsisolated in
lawns. Fill beds with additional native woodland plantings and shade-
loving ground covers. Contiguousplanting beds reduce grass clippings, help
trees and shrubsroots grow better, and make mowing easier.
Use trimmings from other garden areas as mulch in large planting beds
and woodlands.
Limit turf to areas where it receives optimal conditions. Lawns grown in
heavy shade, poor or wet soilsare often weedy, disease prone and difficultto mow.
Use of other plants that are better suited to these conditionswill produce a land-
scape that is healthier and easier to maintain.
Many shrubs, trees, perennialsand ground covers thrive in conditions
where turf grassesdo not. Theyalso generatelesstrimmingsand require
less fertilizer,water, labor and other resources than turf.
Consult County Extension Agents, MasterKommunity Gardeners,
landscapedesignersor a common garden reference to identify
appropriate plants for local conditions.
Use low maintenance lawn seed mixes. Many nurseriesand seed companies
offer lawn seed mixes containing dwarf grassvarieties that only require mowing
and watering a few times each year. Somemixesalso contain low growing peren-
nial flowersand herbs. These mixes may not create an athletic fieldquality turf,
but are fine for most ornamental lawns.
For larger lawn areas wildflower mixes or pasture grasses can create
attractive “meadows”requiring little water, and only need to be mowed
onceor twice each summerafter flowering.
Replace turf areasthat are worn by heavy foottraffic with tough, low
Wood chip paths provide a low maintenance alternative to lawn areas
that are worn or muddy due to heavy use as paths or play areas. Remove
sod and lay down layersof corrugated cardboardto suppressweed growth.
Cover the cardboard with 4-6” of wood chips. Tree-trimmingserviceswill
often deliver wood chips for free.
Lawn areas used heavily as paths or outdoor sitting areas can also be
replaced with low decks, gravel or a variety of attractivebrick or
concrete “unit pavers.”
maintenance surfaces.
i
22 THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL‘S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL

C H A P T E R 1
Hedgescan be left unsheared to assume an attractive natural form and
of woody or evergreen trimmingsthat are difficultto compost at home or use as
mulch unless shredded. Many hedge plants produce attractiveflowersor fruit
which attract birds if they are leftunsheared. Plant varieties that will growfit into
the desired spaceat their mature size,so that they do not require constant
shearing.
IO composrrrimmings. meanng neages produces large quanhties
Crasscycling
"Grasscycling"-leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing, makes
lawns greener and healthier. When grassclippings are allowed to decomposeon
the lawn, nutrients are recycled and beneficial organic matter is added to the soil.
Research conducted at Washington State University and other sources
showthat Grasscycling makes turf greener and tougher, and reduces the
incidenceof common turf diseases.(4)
Research showsthat Grasscyclingcan replace 20 percent of the annual
fertilizer needs of lawns.
1
Grasscycling does not causethatch accumulation in lawns. Numerous
studies have shown that thatch is composed primarily of grassroots, not blades of
grass. An 11-yearstudy at the USDA research station in Beltsville, Maryland,found
that grasscycling contributed only 0.03"to the thatch layer annually. Although
thick accumulations of thatch (over W )can damage lawnsby preventing air and
water from reaching roots, small amounts of thatch help provide insulation to
roots and prevent water evaporation and soil compaction.
to be disposed or composted. Grasscyclingmay require more frequentcutting
than bagging clippings (an estimated fivetimes for every four previously), but
without bagging the clippings, each mowing takes lesstime.
Grasscycling saveswork and reducesthe volume of trimmings that have
In a studyconducted in Fort Worth, Texas, grasscyclersspent an
average of 7 hours less during the grass cutting season on yard work
than residentswho bagged clippings.(5)
Some communitiesreport that grass clippingsmake up 70percent of
yard trimmings collectedfor disposal or composting during the active
growing season.
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
Crasscycling:
Makes mowing
quicker and
easier,
Recycles
nutrients and
creates a
healthier lawn.
May require
mowing every
5-7 days in
most active
growth seasons.
Oftenrequires
some mower
alteration.
23

CHAPTER 1
MANAGING
YARD cling” lawn mower.
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
rzq
&,!J
Grasscyclingdoesnot require purchase of a special “mulching” or “recy-
Rotary mowers may be adapted for grasscycling by removing the grass
catching bag and covering the outlet spout. Outlet coversare available
from manufacturers of many mowers.
Reel-typemowers, including manually powered “push-mowers,” can be
used for grasscycling simplyby removing the catcher.
Special mulching blades designed to chop clippings into tiny pieces and
blow them down into the turf are available to retrofit many mowers.
However, sometrials indicate that these retrofits are no more effectiveat
grasscyclingthan standard mower blades.@)
Most new mowers are designed for improved grasscyclingwith decks
designedto disperseclippingsinto the turf and prevent clumping in difficult
conditionssuch as tall or wet grass.Some are electricpowered-nd reduce
noise, air pollution and the need to disposeof used oil, in addition to
reducingyard trimmings.
24
Mowing Practicesfor Grasscycling
EffectiveGrasscycling depends on rapid decomposition of clippings to avoid
grass clumps which may damage turf or be tracked into the house. The key to
making grass clippingsdecomposequicklyis to cut them into small pieces, and
dispersethem to provideadequate aeration.
Mow regularly, removing no more than 1”of the leaf surface at one
cutting. SeeFigure I.13 for recommendedcutting heights forvariousgrasses.
Frequent mowing that removeslessthan Y3of the leaf is healthier for
During periods of rapid growth, mowing every 5-7 days may be
Mow at the proper height €orthe turf variety and season. Recommended
Raise the mowing height of the lawn mower during the spring and
Keep mower blades sharp. A sharp mower blade cuts cleanerand disperses
clippingsbetter than a dull blade.
Mow when the grass is dry. Wet grass is difficultto cut evenly,dullsblades
and tendsto form clumpson the lawn.
Clean the mower deck after each mowing. Wet grass clippingscan become
matted on the undersideof the mower deck, resulting in clumping of clippingsor
mechanicalfailures. Dried-onclippingsare difficultto remove.
Collect clippings for composting when grass is too wet or tall for
Grasscycling.Or mow twice, at a tall and then a low height, to eliminate
clumps. Collected clippingscan be used in a backyard compostpile, or as a mulch
to provideweed control and prevent moistureloss around flowerbeds, treesand
shrubs.Do not mulch planting beds if herbicideshave been appliedrecentlyto the
lawn.Grassclippings which have been treated with herbicidesshouldbe com-
posted for severalmonths before using them in the garden.
1
turf. Cutting a larger portion of leaf stressesthe plants.
required.
mowing height forvariousturftypesare listed in Figure 1.13.
summer to stimulate deep root growth and increased shade.
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL’S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

Figure 1.13
RecommendedMow- forS-
GRASS RECOMMENDED HEIGHT OF MOWED LAWN
Bahia grass
Bentgrass
1'/2" - 3"
1/21 - 1I'
Bermudagrass
Common y2"-1'/2"
Hybrid '/2M -1It
CHAPTER 1
Buffalograss 2"-3"
Centipedegrass 1'I -2"
Fescue
Chewing 1 -2"
Fine 1 -2"
Tall 2"- 3"
Kentuckybluegrass
Ryegrass 1 -2y2"
St. Augustinegrass
Zoysia grass 1/21! - 1
1'/it-2'/2l
1It -21/2n
Source: H. lohnson, University of Wisconsin,Stevens Point, 1995
Watering Practices for Crasscycling
Good watering produceshealthy turf growth that is easierto grasscycle.Over-
watering produces excessivegrowth which makes grasscycling difficultand re-
quires more frequentmowing.
Watering in earlymorning allowsmorewater to penetrate into the soil
and reduces the amount of water lost due to evaporation. Watering in the
eveningsmay promote diseases.
Severaltechniques can be used to identify when lawnsneedswatering:
Footprinting-Walk acrossthe lawn and examine the lawn behind to seeif
your steps left any footprints. If footprintsremain on the lawn then water is
required.
Screwdrivertest-If it is difficultto push a screwdriverinto the ground then
the soil isvery dry and needs to be watered.
Evapotranspiration-Many water utilitiesprovide customerswith dailyor
weekly estimatesoflawn watering requirementsbased on weather
conditions.
Consult County Extension Agents or Master/Community Gardeners for
appropriate lawn watering in your area.
Deep waterings (6"penetrationor more)that are spaceda few daysapart
or more help produce a deeproot systemthat help turf to resist diseaseand
stress.Dailywatering tends to develop shallowroot systemsthat make lawnsmore
susceptibleto stress and disease.
)
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
~~ ~ ~~
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 25

CHAPTER 1
)
MANAGING
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS they are established.
Check soil to see how deep irrigationpenetrates. On a sandy soil, '15" of
be required for 6"penetration.
Newly seeded, plugged or sodded lawns need to be watered daily until
T e n e t r a t eW UD to 6"deen On clav soils, 1"amlied verv slowlv mav
AT HOME
Fertilization Practices for Crasscycling
Proper fertilizationproduces healthy turf and reduces the need to mow. Over-
fertilization weakens lawnsand causes excessivegrowth which makes Grasscycling
difficult.
Fertilizecool-seasongrasses such as Fescues and Rye in autumn and
winter to encouragedeep rooting and storageof nutrients to help the grass
thrive during hot weather stress.
Fertilizewarm-season grassessuch as Zoysia and Bermuda during the
spring and summer.
Contact County Extension Agents or Master/Community Gardeners for
recommended fertilizertypes and application rates.
Fertilizewith slow-releasenitrogen sources such assulfur-coatedurea,
Avoid high quantitiesof fast-actingfertilizerssuch as ammonium
nitrate, ammonium sulfate, or urea which promote excessivegrowth.
Soil samplescan be taken periodicallyto determineif grasscyclingis
reducing the amount of fertilizerneeded.
urea formaldehyde, IBDU or bloodmeal for moderate, even growth.
Section SB.Reuse: Mulching and
Backyard Composting
There are many ways to make good compost. Thefollowing pages describe
numerousways to reuse organicmaterials at home.
Mulching with yard trimmings to conserve moisture, improve the soil,
suppress weeds and protect plants from winter cold.
Burial of food scraps is commonly used to prevent rodents from disturbing
compost piles. Burial of yard trimmings is used in arid climatesto retain
moisture while composting.
compost vegetatively spreadingweeds and sod.
piles and retain moisture.
Piles are the simplest composting systems. Covered piles can be used to
Holding bins keep materials neatly organized, can exclude pests, insutate
Turning systemsmake "Hot Composting"of large volumes easy.
Vermicomposting is a fun way to compostfood scraps-and to get children
interested in composting.
.26 THE COMPOSTINCCOUNCIL'S NATIONALBACKYARDCOMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

CHAPTER 1
. Figure 1.14-
Composting Criteria
MATERIALS
COST
Types of organic materials to be composted.
Amount of money required to buy or build a particular system.
LABOR
AESTHETICS
EFFICIENCY
PESTCONTROL
Amount of time and energy needed to maintain the compost system.
Typesof materialsand constructionthat are attractiveand fit intothe
compostinglocation.Also, how neatly the system organizesthe compost.
Amount of time and space required to make compost,and the desiredquality
and quantity of the finished product.
Howwell pests are excluded.
The best compostingmethod depends on individualneeds and resources.
Figure I .14 describesthe basic criteria to considerwhen choosing a composting
system.
Mulching with Yard Trimmings
Mulching with yard trimmings provides a variety
of benefitsto the garden. Mulch isa material
spreadon the soil surfaceto benefit soiland plant
health, and make maintenance easier. Common
mulchesincludeorganicmaterials such as ground-
up bark and rocks, and alsoplasticfilms. Mulches
areused for a variety of reasons.
Mulch suppressesgermination of weeds
and makes weeds easier to pull.
Mulch helps roots staycool in summer and
protects plant crowns from winter cold.
Mulch conservesmoisture in the soil.
Mulch prevents soil from compaction and erosion.
Mulching with organic materials has the advantage of adding
nutrientsto the soil asthey decompose.
Many yard trimmings make excellentmulches in home gardens.The type
of mulch to use and applicationrate dependson the planting to be mulched (see
Figure 1.15).
Grass clippings, leaves and shredded stalks and branches are all
suitable for mulching gardens.
Wood chips from prunings or cut trees are a natural looking substitute
for “beautybark.” Someplant materials,such asblack walnut, are toxicto
other plants and shouldnot be used as compostor mulch.
Never mulch with diseased or insect-infestedyard trimmings. Many
diseasesand insectscan be spread through applicationof infectedleavesor
other plant parts.
1
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
-&j
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL‘S NATIONAL BACKYARDCOMPOSTINGPROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL 27

C H A P T E R 1
MANAGING Figure I.15-
YARD IMulch Atmlications
TRIMMINGS
8 ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
*".,.*-
&$
Reuses grass
clippings, leaves
and woody
trimmings.
Conserves
water.
Protects
Soil from
erosion and
compaction.
IMULCH MATERIAL THICKNESS NOTES ~~ ~~
Annuals and Perennials
0 Grassclippings '/2" - 1 Compostherbicidetreatedclippings.
0 Shreddedleavesand stalks 1It -1'/2"
0 Compostedyard trimmings 1 -1'/2"
0 Oldstraw 1 -2"
Use unshreddedleaveson perennialbedsinautumn.
Filter compost through a %"screenfor clean
or barnyardmanure appearance.
~ ~~~
Shrubs and Trees
Wood or bark chips
0 Wood shavings
0 Compostedyard trimmings,
sawdust or barnyardmanure
2"-6"
1If -2"
1I' -2"
Finechips spreadonly 2" - 3" deep. Largerchips
(over 1"length)can be upto 6"deep.
Use coarse shavings only. Finesawdustrobs
nitrogenfrom plants.
Coarse compostwith any undecomposedbranches
pulledout is best.
Mulch Guidelines
Mulch annual and perennial plantings with grass clippings,shredded leaves
and stalks,or finishedcompost. These succulentmaterials break down quickly
and can be easilytilled into the soilwhen the garden is cultivated or a new crop is
planted.
Apply mulches when annuals are well established (4"-6"tall).
Spread healthy leaves, grassclippingsor shredded garden trimmings
on winter-fallow vegetable and flower gardens to protect the soil. Till
light layers of mulch or remove thick layers about 3 weeks prior to last frost
to allowsoilto warm.
Fresh sawdust should be composted or amended with nitrogen fertilizer
before being used as mulch, to prevent nitrogen competitionwith plants.
Mix 3 poundsof nitrogen (e.g., 30 lbs. of fertilizercontaining 10percent
nitrogen) per cubicyard of sawdustto balance the carbon.
Use shredded leaves or whole pine needles to protect perennialsfrom
winter cold and wind. These mulchescan be applied in several-inch-deeplayers
to coverplants. Remove and compost heavy layers of mulch in early spring to
allowsun-warming of soilfor good plant growth.
Whole leaves tend to form ice sheetsthat can mat down and damage
plants. Shreddedleavesand whole pine needles resist matting, and create
good insulation.
Leaves of Acacia, California bay, camphor, cypress, eucalyptus,
pittosporum, walnut, butternut and otherscontain substancesthat
should not be used as mulch because they inhibitgrowth of otherplants.
Compostthese leaves in small quantities with other materials to neutralize
growth suppressiveproperties.
28 THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL

C H A P T E R 1
-1 Mulch shrubs and trees with coarse, woody materials to protect the soil MANAGING
mulches. Spread these mulchesin 2"-6" layers(theysettle 50percent or more).
Newspaper and cardboard can be used as an organic weed barrier under
other mulches. Many weeds and grasseswill send up new sproutsfrom healthy
roots or crownsleft in the soil after weeding or herbicide treatments. Weed barriers
made from plastics, paper products or other organicmaterials help smotherthese
sproutsuntil they have expendedtheir storedenergy and can no longergrow. This
is also an effectivenon-chemicalway to kill lawns when creating new garden
planting areas. Organicmaterials such aspaper products offer a number of advan-
tages to plastic weed barriers, asFigure 1.16 illustrates.
sectionsof newspaperaround plantings. Overlapeach sheetby 50percent to create
a doublelayer and to eliminate crackswhere weeds can sprout.
To make an effectiveorganicweed barrier, lay sheets of cardboard or opened
Figure 1.16
Mulches Used to SmotherLawns and Weeds
PAPER OR SOLID WOVEN
CARDBOARD PLASTIC PLASTIC
Allows air and water to roots Yes No Yes
Decomposesand improvessoil Yes No No
Createswaste when removed No Yes Yes
Recycledmaterial Yes No No
Allows easy cultivation Yes No No
Completelysuppressessprouts Yes Yes No
Practicallife 1-3 years 5-1 0 years 5-1 0 years
*Woven plasticweed barriersoftenget overgrownwith matsof grassor weedsand must beremovedor
treatedwith herbicideto regain control.
Applying MuIC hes
Removeweeds and grassesbefore applying any mulch. Be sure to eliminateall
roots of invasive plants such as quack grassand ivy. They thrive in mulches,and
can quicklyovergrowthem.
Spread mulch over entire planting areas, or placed in rings around indi-
vidual plants. Mulch rings shouldbe spreadat least as far as the tips of each
plant's outermostbranching -this is calledthe drip line (Figure1.15).Spreada
circle of mulch 3'4'in diameter around trees and shrubsin turf areas if larger
ringsare impractical.
Keep all mulches at leasta few inches away from the main stems or
trunksto prevent diseases and pest damage. Mulching up to plant crowns can
provide habitat formice which girdletrees, and diseaseswhich infectcrowns.
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
rq@$
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 29

C H A P T E R 1
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
FF-4
Tomulch treesant
shrubs, place compost
or othermulchon the
soil in a ring around
theplant 6”from the
trunkout tojust past
the “dripline,” or
whererainwater drips
from theoutermost
leaves(indicated by
dashedlines).
._,
t
c
Backyard Composting of Yard Trimmings
and Food Scraps
There are many ways to make goodcompost. Two basic recipes provide the basis
for most backyard composting systems:“Cooland Easy Compost,”and “Hotand
Fast Compost.”The following pages explain how to use these recipes, and describe
and illustrate a variety of backyard compostingsystems.The major types of
systemsdescribed include:
Piles: Open and Covered
Burial
Movable Holding Bins
Stationary Holding Bins
Multi-BinTurning Systems
BarrelTurning Systems
WormBins
i

CHAPTER 1
'r Compost Recipes MANAGING
YARDf
Tor use in any type 01 composting systemexcept TRIMMINGS
worm bins. The major differencebetweenthem is the amount of time and atten-
tion required.
Figure 1.I 8
COOL AND EASY COMPOST
Continuous feed as trimmingsare collected
Ready in 6 months to2 years
Doesnot destroyweedsor plant diseases
Low maintenance
INCREDIENTS:
Mixedyard trimmings as available: including grass clippings, flowers and stalks,
deciduous leaves, weeds without seeds or spreading roots, tw@ and smallprunings
Producescraps
Rainwater and additional water as needed
TOOLS:
Pitchfork
Squarepoint spadeor machete
Rotary lawn mower or shredderif addinglargeamounts of woody trimmings
Waterhosewithspray head (if additional water is needed)
Burlapor black plastic to cover top ofpile (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
7. Set compost bin or start pile in an areawhereit is sure toget rained on, yet
preferably out of direct summer sunlight.
2. Put yard trimmings in bin or pile as collected in garden clean-upor mowing. Moisten
dry materials as they are added. Mixgrass clippingswith leaves, stalky trimmings or
composting materials already in pile.
3. Chopor shred woody trimmingsover W diameterif adding large amounts.
4. Bury vegetablescraps beneath 70"of yard trimmings or finishedcompost.
Optional:Cover top of compost with burlapscrap or black plastic film to keeppile moist
but not too wet.
Ready: Whenmaterial at thebottom of thebin looks likedark, richsoil,pull aside
undecomposedmaterials to start a new batch. Harvest thefinished compost to use
in thegarden.
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
-~
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONALBACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL 31

CHAPTER 1
MANAGING Fioure 1.19
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
Madein batches of about 7 yd.) (or larger)
Ready in 2-4 months
Destroys most weedsor plant diseases
Requires attention to materials, preparation, moistureand turning
INGREDIENTS:
Assemble enoughof thefollowing ingredients to fill a 3 by 3'by 3'bin:
3-4 (or more) wheelbarrowsfull of "greens": such asgrass clippings, flower stalks,
or weeds
3-4 (or more) wheelbarrowsfull of "browns": suchas fall leaves, cornstalks, dead
plants, brush or woodyprunings
Vegetablescraps
Water
Pitchfork
Squarepoint spade, machete, rotary lawn mower, or shredderif addingcoarse
woody trimmings
Waterhosewith spray head
Tarpfor mixing (optional)
Compostbin (optional)
Scrapof old carpet orplastic sheet to cover top ofpile [optionarJ
TOOLS:
DIRECTIONS:
7. Shredor chop coarsestalks larger than ?4"diameter withshovelor machete. Runany
woodybranches througha shredder.Run over leaves, twigs or flower stalkswith a
rotarylawn mower with thebag on, or run throughshredder.
2. Lay 6" of chopped "brown" trimmings at bottom of bin or on tarp.
3. Add a 6"-thick layer of freshgrass clippingsor other 'green" leafy materials.
4. Mix layers witha garden fork and moisten dry materials. If mixing on tarp, empty
5.Repeat Steps2-4 until apile at least 3' by 3' by 3'pileis made, or until bin is full.
6. Monitor heat in pile usinga compost thermometer[optional]. Whenpile has heated
and starts to cool (about 1 week) turn it. Movedry materials from edges into middle
of newpile. Add water if needed. If pile is not heating consult TroubleshootingChart
inFigure 1.11.
into bin after mixing.
7. Repeat step 6 in 7 week.Repeatuntilpile does not reheat after turning.
8. Let cure for 2 weeks beforeusing. If materials arenot compostedconsult
32 THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARDCOMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

CHAPTER 1
Composting Systems
Piles: Open and Covered
Construction Materials:
None for open piles
Black plastic film, burlap scrap or
strawto cover piles [optional]-
Cost of ConstructionMaterialsor Bin:
$&$lo(forplastic film)
How to Use for Best Results:
Add yard trimmings as generated for slow,cool composting
Build hot piles in batches when sufficientmaterialsare available
Bury food scrapsin middle of pile
Sodand vegetatively spreading weeds can be composted in piles that are
completely covered with black plastic to exclude light
Advantages:
Inexpensive
Flexible, can be used for hot or cool composting
Easy to turn piles and harvest finished compost
Does not exclude rodents and other pests
Uncovered piles are subjectto drying out
Uncontained piles require largerspacesand can be messy
Uncovered piles are subject to drying out
Disadvantages:
. .
Methodsof ventinga compostpile
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
33

CHAPTER 1
Burial '
MANAGING
r-. 1YARD
TRIMMINtiS
& ORGANIC
None
SCRAPS
AT HOME $0-$60
Cost of Construction Materials or Bin:
Bury food scrapsas generated in holes 10"-12" deep, coverwith 8" of soil
In dry climates,bury yard trimmings as generated in 2'-3'deepby 2'-3'
wide holes or trenches
Plant over burial area after 3-6 months
Food scrap digesterscan provide an easy means for compostingfood scraps
in one location without continuallyburying and coveringthe materials
Advantages:
Inexpensive
Excludesrodents and other pests from food scraps
Burial of yard trimmingsis an effectivecompostingmethod in arid climates
where moisture retention and heat is a problem in piles or bins
Harvest is not necessary if burying in holes-simply rotate burial and
planting areas through the garden
Difficult to tum or harvest compost from digesters
Burial of yard trimmingsnot suitablein wet climatesand areaswith poor
drainage
Disadvantages:
1
Figure 1.20
Examplesof Food ScrapDigesters
34
Metal GarbageFood Scrap Digester "Green Cone" Food ScrapDigester
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

CHAPTER 1
Fiaure 1.22
Fiaure 1.21.P
Burial of Food Scraps
Simply useashovel or post hole digger to dig a
7 -deephole in any empty part of thegarden.
Chop and mix the food scraps into thesoil,
then cover with at least 8" of additional soil.
Depending on soil temperature, thesupply of
microorganisms in thesoil and thecontent of
thematerials, decomposition will occur in 7
month to 1 year.
"
Pit and Trench Composting
food scrap burial can be done
randomly in fallow areas of the
garden, or in an organized system.
Onesystemis to bury scraps in post
holes dug around thedrip line of
trees or shrubs. An Englishsystem,
known as "it and trench" com-
posting, maintains a three-season
rotation of soil incorporation and
growing. for oneseason, the
garden includes a trench in which
to bury food scraps, a row for
growing crops, and a third "row"
to useas apath. In the next season, the fertilesoil of the former compost trench is used to
grow crops, theformer crop row is left fallow and used as apath, and the compacted
path is loosened and dug as a new trench for food scrap burial. Thecycleis continuous.
MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
THE COMPOSTINCCOUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINGPROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL 35

CHAPTER 1
MANAGING Movable Holding Bins
YARD 1 It
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
L LI ULLI-IJ.
Wood pallets (notgood in areaswith termite problems)
Rings of wire mesh, fencingor semi-rigidplasticsheeting
Panels made with wood framedwire mesh, or commercialbins made with
plasticpanels
SCRAPS
AT HOME
$&$loo
Add yard trimmingsas collected for slow,cool composting
Open bin to turn piles to speeddecompositionand to harvestfinished
compost
Can be used to make and tum batchesof “hotand fast compost”
Advantages:
Simpleto build and use
Can be inexpensive
Flexible, can be used for hot or cool composting
Easy to open to turn piles or harvest finishedcompost
Optionsto fit any budget
Disadvantages:
Doesnot keep out rodentsor flies
Not approvedfor compostingfood scrapsin many communities
Uncoveredbins are subjectto drying out
Figure 1.23
ExamplesofMovable Holding Bins
Perforated GarbageCanHolding Bin Pallet Holding Bin
36 THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL’S NATIONALBACKYARDCOMPOSTINCPROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL

CHAPTER I
Fiqure 1.23 (continued) MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
-3' ____)
WireHoldingBin
WireHoldingBin
Wood and WireHoldingBin
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
SnowFencing Holding Bin
THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTING PROGRAM TRAINING MANUAL 37

C H A P T E R 1
MANAGING Stationarv Holdina Binsa 4
YARD
a’*r--
Commerciallymolded plastic enclosures
Homemadefrom wood or cinderblocks
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME Cost of Construction Materials or Bin:
$20-$150
Add yard trimmings as generated-for slow,cool composting
Can be used to make batches of “hotand fast”compost
Many inexpensivemolded plastic bins available commercially
Many have covers and bases to excluderodents
Many are covered, which helpsto retain moisture and heat
Often difficultto turn for aeration or harvesting of finished compostat
bottom
Many molded plasticbins have inadequate capacity for largeyards, and
have constrictedopeningsthat make loading and harvesting difficult
Many molded plasticbins are not attractive
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
1
Figure 1.24
Examplesof StationaryHolding Bins
ManufacturedPlasticHoldingBin

CHAPTER 1
Figure 1.24 (continued) MANAGING
YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
a
Brick HoidingBin
THE COMPOSTINCCOUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL 39

C H A P T E R 1
'>
MANAGING Multi-Bin Turning Systems
YARD
1Wood, wood frame with wire mesh, cinder blocks& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME $100--$300
Cost of Construction Materials or Bin:
Make batches of hot compost with materials accumulated over time or
through a large garden clean-up
Use bins to store fall leavesto mix with fresh green grassclippingscollected
in spring and summer
Easy to tum and aerate piles for quick compostingof largevolumes
Hot composting of food scrapsdiscourages rodents
Must be custom made, not commercially available
Hot composting,turning piles too labor intensive for most people
Requires large space
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
1BarrelTurning Systems
ConstructionMaterials:
Commercial rotating barrels: plastic or metal barrels, usuallywith metal
Homemaderotating barrels: plastic or metal barrels, usuallywith wood
frames
frames
$100-$400
Make batches of hot compost with yard trimmingsand kitchen scraps
Cost of ConstructionMaterials or Bin:
accumulatedover time or through a garden clean-up
Advantages:
Easy to turnand aerate piles for quick composting of largevolumes
Barrelsare very rodent resistant
Barrelsretain moistureand heat in smallvolume
Disadvantages:
Requires carefulpreparation of materials for consistent results
Most rotating barrels have capacitytoo limited for many yards, and have
Homemadebarrels require specialtools and skillsto construct
Commercial systemsare expensive
constrictedopenings that make loading difficult
40 THECOMPOSTINC COUNCIL'SNATIONALBACKYARDCOMPOSTINGPROGRAMTRAININGMANUAL

CHAPTER 1
Figure 1.25 MANAGING
') Examples of Turning Systems YARD
TRIMMINGS
& ORGANIC
SCRAPS
AT HOME
9'
Wood Slat 3-Bin TurningSystem
Rotating Barrel TurningSystem
THE COMPOSTING COUNCIL'S NATIONALBACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAMTRAINING MANUAL 41

C H A P T E R 1
&/:; * -.'* *.
MANAGING Worm Bins ' . ' . .
SCRAPS
AT HOME
$&$loo Worm3 feedingapparatus
@
Bury food scrapsas generatedin bedding
Use brown leaves,shreddedpaper or cardboard,sawdustorpeat asWdiq
Interesting for adults and childrento build and use
Providea way for apartmentdwellersto compost
Excludesrodentsand otherpests
Produces highest qualitycompost
Producesworms for fishing or composting
Optionsto fit any budget or aesthetictaste
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Requiresunderstandingand attentionto process
Primarilya food scrapcompostingsystem,typicallyprocessesvery little
yard trimmingsdue to limitedcapacity
Plastic Container WormBin (cutaway view) 1
42 THE COMPOSTINC COUNCIL'S NATIONAL BACKYARD COMPOSTINC PROGRAM TRAlNlffi MANUAL

The Composting Council's National Backyard Composting Program

The Composting Council's National Backyard Composting Program

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to The Composting Council's National Backyard Composting Program

Similar to The Composting Council's National Backyard Composting Program (20)

More from School Vegetable Gardening - Victory Gardens

More from School Vegetable Gardening - Victory Gardens (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

The Composting Council's National Backyard Composting Program