May 29th has been deemed National Composting Day, we celebrate the power of turning kitchen leftovers and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost, a valuable resource for healthy gardens and a sustainable future.
Did you know composting also benefits the County's precious water resources? Organic waste decomposes and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Composting offers a waste diversion strategy, effectively extracting organic materials from the landfill stream. This not only mitigates methane emissions impacting raw water sources, but also helps to minimize the environmental footprint associated with raw water extraction and treatment.
What is Raw Water?
Raw Water is water found in the environment that has not been treated and does not have any of its minerals, ions, particles, bacteria, or parasites removed. Raw water includes rainwater, ground water, water from infiltration wells, and water from bodies like lakes and rivers.
By composting at home, you are not just providing added nutrients for your plants, you are becoming a vital part of our community's environmental well-being. At the South Granville Water & Sewer Authority, we believe a healthy community starts with a healthy environment. Join us in maintaining a strong water system.
Get Composting: Quick Start Guide
Are you ready to convert your food and yard waste into nutrient-rich vitamins for your garden? Composting is a simple process with big benefits and getting started is a painless process.
Explore the steps below to help get started with composting:
1. Gather Your Supplies:
Compost Bin: Choose a bin that suits your space and needs. Open bins work well for larger yards, while closed bins are ideal for attracting fewer pests.
Brown Materials: Stock up on "carbon sources" like shredded cardboard, leaves, twigs, or straw. These provide structure and balance the composting mix.
Green Materials: Collect your "nitrogen sources" - kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Yard trimmings like grass clippings (avoid weed seeds) also work well. It is recommended that residents aim for a 3:1 ratio of brown to green materials, but the needs of your composting system may vary.
2. Location, Location, Location:
Find a well-drained spot in your yard, ideally with partial shade. Avoid areas close to your house or property lines.
3. Get Started
Begin with a layer of brown materials like shredded cardboard at the bottom of your bin.
Add a layer of green materials like vegetable scraps on top.
Repeat, layering brown and green materials to create a balanced mix.
Moisten the pile with water - it should be damp, not soggy.
Mix the pile occasionally with a shovel or turning fork to aerate the compost.
4. Bonus Tips:
Chop up larger kitchen scraps to encourage faster decomposition.
Avoid meat, dairy products, and oily foods as they can attract pests and slow decomposition.
If you notice unpleasant odors, add more brown materials or turn the pile more frequently.
Be patient. Composting takes time, but the end result is worth the wait.
NCDEQ Composting Impact on Soil Study:
Informational Video:
Disclaimer: The video and article posted on this page are provided solely for reference purposes regarding the general composting system used by professionals in the industry. It does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SGWASA (South Granville Water & Sewer Authority) or the SGWASA Board.
Any opinions or statements expressed in the video are those of the individuals or organizations involved and should be verified to work for your home, yard, and composting system.
This post was issued on May 29, 2024 by The South Granville Water and Sewer Authority
Krystle Lee
PIO/Board Secretary/Webmaster
919-575-3367