INTRODUCTION

Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil
known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. Basically, backyard
composting is an acceleration of the same process nature uses. By composting your organic
waste you are returning nutrients back into the soil in order for the cycle of life to continue.
Finished compost looks like soil–dark brown, crumbly and smells like a forest floor

WHAT IS COMPOST

A mixture of decayed or decaying organic matter used to fertilize soil. Compost is usually
made by gathering plant material, such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable peels, into a
pile or bin and letting it decompose as a result of the action of aerobic bacteria, fungi, and
other organisms. The pile will compost in 4 - 6 months, with the material being dark and
crumbly. Leaf compost is best used as an organic soil amendment and conditioner; it is not
normally used as a fertilizer because it is low in nutrients. You can also use leaves to make a
nutritious "tea" for your plants.

Types of composting:
 Backyard composting — If you have a yard and a balance of browns (fallen leaves
or straw) and greens (grass clippings and food scraps), you have all you need to make
compost. 

 Worm composting (vermicomposting) — If you have a tiny yard or live in an

apartment or have an abundance of food scraps, this type of composting is for you. 

 Grasscycling If you have grass clippings and don't want to use them in a compost pile
you can leave them on the lawn to decompose. Read about grasscycling for tips,
techniques and benefits.

reasons why you should compost :-

uses
1. Yard and food waste make up 30% of the waste stream. Composting your
kitchen and yard trimmings helps divert that waste from the landfill,
waterways and water treatment facilities.
2. You will significantly reduce pest problems–and your use of pesticides.
3. Healthy plants from healthy soil look better, produce better and have a
much greater ability to fight off pests and diseases.
 4. Adding organic materials to the soil improves moisture retention.
5. Adding decomposed organic material to the soil feeds beneficial
organisms.
6. Compost amends both sandy and clay soils.
7. Compost provides a balanced, slow–release source of nutrients that helps
the soil hold nutrients long enough for plants to use them.
8. Composting saves money–you avoid the cost of buying soil conditioners,
bagged manure etc.
9. Feeding your plants well will improve your own diet. Plants grown in
depleted soils have a reduced nutrient content.
10. Home composting is a valuable tool in educating children about
nature and the cycle of life.

STEPS
1. Choose Your Type of Backyard Compost Bin.

You can use either an open pile or a compost bin. Bins have the advantage of being
neat, keeping animals out and preserving heat. You can purchase compost bins
from a variety of garden and home stores, or you can build your own compost
bin.The size and type of bin you purchase or build will depend on how much
compostable material you generate.

2. Choose Your Composter Location.

You should choose a location which is flat, well-drained and sunny. Most
importantly you should find a convenient location. If it is in the back of your yard
will you be willing to trudge through the snow to get to it in the middle of winter?

3. Alternate Layers.

Start with a layer of course materials (like twigs) to allow for drainage and
aeration. Cover this layer with leaves. Then simply alternate between layers of
greens materials (nitrogen-rich material) and browns (carbon-rich material).

Browns Greens Don't Compost

Evergreen needles Green leaves Invasive weeds gone to see
Dried leaves Garden waste Meat/fish/bones
Paper egg cartons Flowers Fat/oil/grease
Paper towels/napkins Vegetables Dairy products
Dried grass clippings Fruit peels Cooked foods (attracts animals)
Shredded newsprint Scraps Pet waste
Bark Coffee grounds Plastics
Coffee filters  Tea leaves/bags Metals
Straw Egg shells Glass
Sawdust (limited amt.) Flowers Toxic material
Dryer/vacuum lint   Charcoal
Cardboard (cut into small
  Chemical logs
pieces)
Dead house plants    
Shredded brown paper bags    

4. Add Kitchen and Yard Waste as They Accumulate.

Collect your kitchen compostables in a container in your kitchen. Find a handy

place to store this container container – on the counter, under the sink or in the
freezer. When it is full, empty its contents into the compost bin.

Whenever you add food scraps or yard waste, be sure to top it with a layer of
browns. If you do not add browns, your compost will be wet and break down more
slowly. If possible, collect and store dry leaves in an old garbage in the fall so you
can use them in your compost year round.

Depending on the type of compost bin or pile you have chosen there may be
specific ways of adding and maintaining compost. Most of the composters you
purchase come with instructions; follow these instructions for best results.

5. Continue to Add Layers Until Your Bin is Full.

The bin contents/pile will shrink as it begins to decompose.

6. Maintain Your Compost Bin.

To get finished compost more quickly, check your compost bin and make sure the
following conditions are met:

 When you add fresh material, be sure to mix it in with the lower layers.
 Materials should be as wet as a rung-out sponge. Add dry materials or water –
whichever is needed – to reach this moisture level.
 Mix or turn the compost once a week to help the breakdown process and eliminate
odour.

7. Harvest Your Compost.

Finished compost will be dark, crumbly and smell like earth. You should be able to
have finished compost within four to six months of starting your bin.

The finished compost will end up at the top of the bin or compost pile. Remove all
the finished compost from the bin, leaving unfinished materials in the bin to
continue decomposing. Be sure the decomposition process is complete before you
use your compost; otherwise, microbes in the compost could take nitrogen from the
soil and harm plant growth.

OBJECTIVE
The main objective of the project is to develop an integrated and
environmentally sound waste management system, which the target
groups and the final beneficiaries of the project will benefit of its results
and specific objectives in terms of:
 
1. To develop an integrated and environmentally organic waste
management system that ensures the adequate collection and
treatment with sustainable methods, in tourist areas with close
agricultural activity.

2. Development of a new kind of selective organic waste collection

complementary available for large producers in tourist areas, which
will improve their waste management as well as the environmental
public image of their activity.0

3. . Creating a change in perception and raising a global awareness for the long term.

4. Implementing the process in house works, farms and among the tourist sector around
the globe, by efficiency and improvement of recycling services.

5. Making the young generation a change agent of the environmental change.