Composting
Need A Composter?
Available at the Simcoe Recreation Centre, 182 South Drive, Simcoe at a cost of $48.25.
The Dirt on Composting
Quick Facts
- Composting is the natural breakdown of organic material into an earthy soil conditioner called compost
- One-third of your household garbage is compostable
- It takes only a few minutes a week to turn it into a high-quality compost that is rich in nutrients
- Composting is done in an outdoor container called a composter
- Your composter can be made from a few spare planks or a commercially made unit, purchased from the Norfolk County Public Works Office.
What should you compost?
- Leaves & dry grass
- Weeds (but not seeds)
- Garden Plants
- Coffee ground and filters
- Teabags
- Fruit & vegetable cores
- Peeling and left-overs
- Eggshells
- Bread
What shouldn’t you compost?
- Milk products
- Meat scraps and bones
- Oil and grease
- Pet wastes
- Walnut shells
Myths and Truths
Myth: Composters give off unpleasant odours.
Truth: A composter will not give off any odours if it’s properly maintained.
Myth: You can only compost in warm weather.
Truth: You can compost year-round. Keep adding materials to your compost all winter. In spring the compost will thaw, giving you much more nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
Myth: You must have a large backyard to compost.
Truth: A well-maintained composter can be set up in even the smallest backyard. They only occupy a few feet of space.
Myth: Composters can only be used for kitchen scraps.
Truth: A composter can be used for any material that will break down – although it is not recommended that meats or fats be put in there. You can compost grass, leaves or any organic material from your yard and kitchen.
Myth: Composters are expensive and difficult to get.
Truth: Composters are available at the Simcoe Recreation Centre, 182 South Drive, Simcoe at a cost of $48.25.
