Backyard composting is an easy way to turn much of the waste from your yard and kitchen into a rich organic material that you can use to improve your soil. 

The benefits of composting

  • Reduces the amount of garbage your household produces.
  • Reduces the amount of water and fertilizer required for your yard and garden by suppressing weeds and holding moisture in the soil.
  • Improves soil quality and supplies essential nutrients for plant growth.

How to compost

  1. Place your bin in a convenient location for easy access. A shady or sunny spot will work. You can purchase a bin or build your own.
  2. Add the correct materials.
    • Add food and yard waste, including:
      • Vegetable and fruit scraps
      • Coffee ground and filters
      • Tea leaves and tea bags
      • Egg shells
      • Nut shells
      • Plant trimmings
      • Grass and leaves
    • Do not add fats or animal products, including:
      • Butter, cheese or dairy products
      • Meat or bones
      • Gravies or sauces
      • Pet wastes
    • As a general rule, add three parts of dry ingredients - leaves or dry grass - to one part of wet food waste.
  3. Mix up the pile with a shovel or pitchfork at least once a month. 

Backyard composting tips

  • Keep your compost pile at the right moisture level. If your compost pile has a bad odor, it lacks air circulation or it may be too wet. Try turning the pile and/or adding dry material to the pile. 
  • If your compost pile is not heating up, it may need more nitrogen or "green" material. Add grass clippings or a nitrogen fertilizer to the pile.
  • Bury kitchen scraps at least 8 inches deep in the compost pile to discourage critters. 
  • You can keep adding to your compost pile as it is composting. However, you may want to start a second pile if you have enough materials.
  • Add a layer of straw or hay to the top of your compost pile in the winter to keep it warm.
  • The best pile is made up of a variety of materials.
  • The smaller the pieces of compost material, the faster the pile will decompose.

If you don't want to maintain a back yard bin, remember that you can still collect organics and take them to the Brooklyn Park drop-off facility.

Resources