Can I Make Compost In A Plastic Dustbin - Tips and Tricks

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Composting is an excellent way to reuse organic waste to help our environment, reduce your carbon footprint and give your garden a healthy boost. Making compost in a plastic dustbin is a convenient and affordable method that can be done quickly and easily. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of composting, the convenience of making compost in a dustbin, and highlight things you should consider when composting in a plastic dustbin.

Benefits of Composting

Composting is a great way to recycle organic waste material into natural fertilizer for your garden. By doing it at home, you reduce the amount of waste going into landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Convenience of Making Compost in a Dustbin

Making compost in a plastic dustbin is an easy way to get started with composting. It's affordable and does not take up much space, making it ideal for small gardens or balcony spaces. Additionally, you can create your compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste without worrying about pests or rodents.

Things to Consider When Composting in a Plastic Dustbin

There are a few things to keep in mind when composting in a plastic dustbin:

• Choose the Right Bin: Choose a plastic dustbin that is large enough to contain your compost pile while still beinf easy to turn and aerate. A 50-gallon dustbin would be perfect.
• Prepare Your Compost Ingredients: Make sure you have a good mix of browns (dead leaves and twigs) and greens (kitchen scraps). This balance ensures that your compost pile has adequate nitrogen, allowing it to break down appropriately.
• Start Building Your Compost Pile: Place a few inches of shredded newspaper or leaves in the bottom of your dustbin. Add layers of greens and browns, alternating between them.
• Maintain Your Compost Pile: Stir and aerate your compost pile once a week to ensure that it remains moist and aerated.

How to Make Compost in a Plastic Dustbin

Choose the Right Bin

Choosing the right bin is vital for successful composting. You should choose a bin that's large enough to hold the amount of organic waste you plan on composting while being easy to maneuver to help with stirring and turning the materials.

Prepare Your Compost Ingredients

When preparing your compost ingredients, make sure that you include a mixture of brown and green materials. Greens are high in nitrogen and include items like fruit peels, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings. Browns, on the other hand, add carbon, and include dry leaves, newspapers, and twigs. A good ratio of browns to greens is about 3:1.

Start Building Your Compost Pile

Start by laying down a layer of shredded newspaper or leaves at the bottom of your plastic dustbin as this will aid in drainage. Add layers of greens and browns, making sure that you alternate them. When you reach near the top of your dustbin, cover the compost with a layer of straw or dried leaves to keep it warm and to retain moisture.

Maintain Your Compost Pile

It's essential you regularly stir and turn your compost pile to ensure that it remains aerated and moist, allowing the microorganisms to break down the materials efficiently. If the inside of the pile appears dry, you should make it damp by misting with water.

Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste and give your garden a healthy boost. Making compost in a plastic dustbin is a convenient and affordable method that can be done quickly and easily. Remember to choose the right bin, prepare your compost ingredients properly and maintain your compost to achieve optimal results.

FAQs

Can I make compost in any plastic dustbin?

Yes, you can make compost in most plastic dustbins as long as they are large enough to contain your compost pile and have drainage holes at the bottom.

What can I put in my compost pile?

You can add fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, yard waste like grass clippings, leaves, twigs and sawdust, shredded paper, and cardboard.

How often should I stir my compost pile?

You should stir your compost pile once a week.

How long does it take for compost to be ready?

It usually takes 2-6 months for your compost to be ready, depending on the composition and environmental condition of your compost pile.

Why does my compost smell bad?

Your compost smells bad because of the overabundance of nitrogen or moisture, which causes the anaerobic bacteria to produce foul-smelling gas.

Can I compost meat or dairy products in my plastic dustbin?

It's not recommended to compost meat, dairy or oily food in any compost pile, including in a plastic dustbin, as they are harder to break down and may attract animals or pests.

Do I need to add water to my compost pile?

It's good to keep your compost pile moist, but not soggy. The moisture level should be equal to that of a squeezed sponge.

Can I use compost from my plastic dustbin in my garden?

Yes, you can! Make sure the odor has dissipated, and the compost color is dark brown, moist, crumbly texture with no lumps.

Do I need to separate my compost materials into different layers?

There's no need to segregate your compost materials. Make sure there is enough moisture and oxygen flow so it will decompose properly.

Is there anything else I should know before starting a compost pile in a plastic dustbin?

Be patient as composting takes time; be mindful not to add things that may contaminate your compost like pet waste or treated wood products. Turning your compost helps to accelerate the breakdown process, but avoid disturbing it too much, or you'll slow down its progress.