HOME COMPOSTING
What is composting?
Composting is the rapid breakdown and decomposition of organic material such as food scraps and garden organics. Appropriate moisture content, oxygen and heat are required for the composting process to occur. Under these conditions micro-organisms break down the organic matter into a nutrient rich soil-like product which can be utilised by plants. The composting process helps to decrease the amount of organic material disposed of to landfill. Organic material decomposing in landfill creates harmful greenhouse gases. Creating a composted product therefore prevents generation of these harmful emissions whilst enriching Perth's sandy soils.
There are various ways of composting, including the covered compost heap, a compost bin and a compost tumbler, and by worm farming. There are different principals to consider in the choice of each method, however, the main considerations are the purpose, size and type of your garden.
How does composting occur?
Micro-organisms are the major factor involved in the composting process. Bacteria, unable to live in high temperatures, start off the process by breaking down the readily available organic material. This initial process generates heat, causing the temperature in the compost pile to rise. A different type of bacteria take over and continues to convert organic material into a soil-like substance (called humus). More heat is generated by these bacteria increasing the temperature within the compost mass.
The temperature increase helps to kill weed seeds, and other pathogens that can cause harm to human and environmental health. Once most of the degradable organic matter has been broken down, the temperature starts to decrease within the compost. Decomposition will continue but at a much slower rate. This process takes approximately 12 weeks. Once the temperature has fallen to that of ambient air, the maturation stage occurs. The compost is then left undisturbed for about 30 days to fully mature.
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How to compost at home?
Composting is a process that can easily be performed at home. The following steps show how easy it is to create your own compost bin or heap.
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Choose a location. The compost heap/bin should be placed directly onto the soil in a sunny position.
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Starting materials. It is best to start your compost bin with 'brown' material, which consists of dried leaves and shredded garden organics. These materials decompose slowly and have low moisture levels. Place alternative layers of 'green' materials, which consist of food scraps or grass clippings. Add some water it the compost material is too dry.
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Maintenance. Keep your compost heap/bin moist but not too wet (the consistency of a wet wrung out sponge). Adding food svraps to the centre of the heap/bin will help keep pests away and allow decomposition to occur more rapidly as the highest temperature point is in the middle of the compost. To increase aeration within the ocmpost, turn the material at least once a week.
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When to use: Compost should be ready to use in three to six months. Dampen and lift the compacted compost with a garden fork to seperate into a crumby texture.
Troubleshooting with home compost
| PROBLEM | CAUSES | SOLUTION |
| Compost taking too long to break down | Too Dry | Add Water |
| Not the right mix | Add equal amounts of vegetable scraps or fresh lawn clippings (greens), with fallen leaves or straw (browns) | |
| Not enough air | Turn more, add more compost worms, Punch holes in your bin Add in some piping to help airation | |
| Smelly Compost | Too wet | See below |
| To acidic | Add wood ash or dolomite to neutralise the heap | |
| Insufficient air | Turn more regularly | |
| Rebuild with some dry materials | ||
| Flies | Open organic matter | Cover organic waste with a layer of soil |
| Meat or dairy products | Avoid putting meat or dairy products in the compost mix | |
| Too Wet | Too much water has been added | Improve drainage under the heap |
| Organic waste is too moist | Mix in some dry 'brown' materials or shredded newspaper | |
| Pests or rodents | Attracted to uncovered food or warmth | Cover each organic layer with soil and place the bin on a layer of fine mesh |
| A large number of slaters and ants | Heap is too dry | Add water or moist materials |
| Spiders under the lid | Attracted by the flies |
Place handle on the lid |
| Check for spiders | ||
| Cover each organic layer with soil |
What can and can't be composted
There are a lot of materials within the home that can be composted, however there are some materials which are not suitable.
| WHAT CAN BE COMPOSTED | WHAT CAN NOT BE COMPOSTED |
| Green organic materials |
There are many organic waste items that may |
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| Brown organic materials | |
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Home Composting Brochure - City of Belmont - 18 February 2008.pdf (348.82 kb)
Reference No: EMRC-77377
NOTE: Please right-click on the link and choose 'Save Target As'.
Worm Farming Brochure - City of Belmont - 18 February 2008.pdf (333.43 kb)
Reference No: EMRC-77391
NOTE: Please right-click on the link and choose 'Save Target As'.
