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1. What is compost?

Compost is a mixture of residues of organic materials that have been piled, watered, and have undergone decomposition.

2. Why is composting important?

Since most yard waste and food products are easily degradable under the correct conditions, placing them in a landfill unnecessarily wastes space and money. Compost also benefits soils by serving as a soil conditioner, which enriches soil and improves its structure.

3. What can I compost?

Materials such as leaves, twigs, small branches, bark, straw, grass clippings, paper, manures (cow, chicken, goat, horse, pig, and sheep), fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, and coffee grounds can be composed.

Materials that should not be put in a compost pile include meat, cheese, fatty foods, dog and cat manure, and plants with diseases.

4. What type of bin should I use?

Composting is a natural process that will occur whether or not materials are in a bin. However, using a bin in your backyard will better contain materials. A compost bin can be as simple as a cylinder made from chicken wire or it can be a commercial unit.