Composting is easy! To support first time composters or those looking to refresh their composting knowledge, an online Composting 101 training will be held on Thursday, April 13th at 6:30 pm. Composting 101 includes all the information you need to get started composting, including:
- How composting makes you a planet saving hero.
- Pros and cons of compost bin styles including low cost or free DIY options.
- What to compost.
- Troubleshooting.
- Using finished compost.
Date: April 13th
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Three compost bins will be given away to registered participants, must be present at online event to win.
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and live lighter on the planet. In the United States an estimated 40% of the food produced is wasted, wasting all the resources that went into producing it such as water, fuel, soil nutrients, fertilizer and pesticides, and human labor. Everyone can take steps to reduce their food waste, and those that are able to can compost what is left. By consistently using a backyard compost bin, a single-family household can expect to divert approximately 200 pounds of organic waste from landfill each year, depending on cooking and eating habits.
Starting on April 29th, a limited number of backyard composting bins will be available for purchase at the Todd County Transfer Station. Compost bins come in two halves that fit in most vehicles, measure 33”x30” when assembled, and can hold 17 cu ft of compost. The bins will be sold at a reduced cost of $40, no advance reservations or sales.
FAQ
Do I have to be a resident of Todd County to get a bin?
Yes, or you must reside in Todd County at least part of the year, for example, during the summer months.
Will the bin fit in my small car?
Yes, these bins have two sides, a lid, and two ‘doors’ that you assemble when you get it home. They should fit in most small cars or a small two door with the back seat down.
What if I don’t have access to an outdoor space but I want to compost?
At this time only backyard compost bins are available. If you live in an apartment, worm composting may work for you, but is not part of this sale.
What if I can’t make it to the designated time or location?
You may ask another individual to buy you a bin. There may be bins leftover, call ahead to check availability. NO reservations or advance sales will be allowed.
I’ve tried composting before and it didn’t go well, is this for me?
Yes! Many first-time composters struggle with common issues that are fairly easy to diagnose and correct. Troubleshooting and best practices will be covered in the Composting 101 training offered in partnership with the sale. We will also cover expectations of what composting is and isn’t.
Are you selling a kitchen compost pail for collecting scraps?
This sale does not include a kitchen pail. You are encouraged to find a container that works for you – compost pails of many kinds can be purchased online, but an ice cream pail or old ice bucket with a lid works just as well. Shop your local thrift store or reuse an existing small pail with a lid to save money and reuse instead of buying something new.
Will my compost bin or kitchen pail smell?
At times, yes, a little. But this can be kept to a minimum if you use best practices. We never notice smell from our backyard bin unless it is when we are actively mixing it. Your pail can be washed in the dishwasher or soaked with soapy water to clean it. You can also keep your pail – or any other compost collecting container of choice such as an ice cream pail or large plastic bag – in the freezer or fridge to ensure you don’t have smell or fruit flies.
I am worried about wildlife being attracted by my compost bin, will this happen?
Animals are attracted to food waste that is exposed, and certain kinds of food waste such as meat. As long as you use best practices, you should not experience problems with this. Also, wildlife such as squirrels or mice may want to be near your compost bin or a leaf pile. Although some people become concerned by this, they should be much more concerned about huge amounts of food waste sitting in landfills forever than small critters eating a few scraps. Using a bin with a lid will help prevent pests and covering the bottom of your bin with metal mesh or fine chicken wire can prevent pests from entering on the bottom.
Will my compost bin attract flies?
Yes, flies are one of nature’s decomposers. It is normal and natural to find decomposers such as flies, fruit flies, mold, pill bugs, and other friendly creepy crawlies in your compost pile – that is their job! Composting is not a bug-free process, just as decomposition happening in nature is facilitated by many decomposers, so is composting!
Can I compost pet waste?
It depends. Animal waste and wood shavings/natural bedding from rabbits, gerbils, goats, or similar can be added to your compost bin. Dog waste can be composted, but in a separate container from food waste, and the compost should not be used on plants that grow food. Cat waste and litter should NOT be composted due to possible pathogens.
