III. Materials that can be Composted
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| Almost any type of organic material can be composted,
but some are especially easy to manage in a home composting pile.
While most leaves are fairly high in carbon, maple leaves have
a C:N ratio near the optimum level of 30:1. With the right moisture
and frequent turning, maple leaves can break down in just a few
weeks time. |
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| Oak leaves have a C:N ratio of about 60:1, and
also have high levels of tannins which are resistant to decay.
Mixing these leaves with a high nitrogen materials will accelerate
their decomposition. |
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| Brush can compost or be used as mulch if chipped to a reasonable
size. Because wood chips have a high C:N ratio, and large particle size,
they will break down relatively slowly. A better alternative is to spread
them on paths or use as mulch, easily recycling them to the landscape. Chips
are often available free from arborists and utility companies. |
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| Fresh grass clippings are high in nitrogen, about 20:1. By
themselves they are too wet and will mat, creating unpleasant anaerobic
odors. But they will compost well when mixed with a carbon source such as
leaves or brush. (Special thanks to Seattle Tilth Association.) |
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| Short grass clippings are better left on the
lawn, where they will decompose and return nutrients and organic
matter to the soil. Contrary to popular opinion, clippings will
not contribute to thatch buildup. |
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| Clippings from home lawns treated with pesticides
may contain chemical residues. With few exceptions, these residues
will not persist from one growing season to the next. If the
type and level of pesticide used is unknown, those materials
should not be added to the compost pile. |
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| Vegetable food scraps can be composted at home,
but not meat scraps and grease. These can attract rodents and
other varmints. |
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| Wood ash can also be added to the compost pile. It has high
levels of potassium and other nutrients for plant growth. |
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| Manures are high in nitrogen, about 20:1, and
contain many organisms helpful to the compost process. While
horse and cow manure are fine to add to the compost pile, dog
and cat litter may contain parasites which can cause human disease. |
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| Other more exotic materials may be available
for composting in your area. These aquatic weeds, while a problem
for water recreation, make excellent compost if dried out a bit.
Food processors may also have by-products that are suitable for
composting. (Special thanks to David Stern). |
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| Coarse material, such as corn stalks, small tree
and shrub limbs, can also be composted. Shredding these materials
increases the surface area that organisms can work on which significantly
decreases the time required for composting. |
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| While operating equipment such as chippers and mowers, safety
glasses should be worn. |
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