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Composting Fact Sheet
Composting Fact Sheet
REDUCE TRASH | SAVE MONEY | REDUCE CHEMICAL USE | GROW HEALTHY PLANTS | PROTECT GROUNDWATER
Remember, you want about half nitrogen-rich items and half carbon-rich items. Nitrogen-rich materials are typically so and green (such as freshly cut leaves and grass). Carbon-rich materials are brown, (such as dried fall leaves and small branches).
SYMPTOM
Bad odor Pile smells ok, but is not decomposing Liquid is leaking out bo om of the bin
PROBLEM
Not enough air Not enough water
SOLUTION
Turn/mix the compost Moisten pile and turn material
Too much water. Materials should be Add more of the dry carbon-rich should be damp, like a wrung-out sponge materials and turn material
Microorganisms you cant see (such as bacteria and fungi) and Macroorganisms you can see (such as mites, earthworms and other insects) consume and break down the material. With enough air and water, the microorganisms will produce heat. Hot compost decomposes faster than cold compost. If there is not enough water and oxygen, the microorganisms will die and composting will slow.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COMPOSTING AND RECYCLING, VISIT THE FOLLOWING SITESL:
austinrecycles.com/compost.htm epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm tceq.state.tx.us/assistance/nav/composting.html compostguide.com