Why Compost?
Composting is a simple way to turn suitable food scraps and garden materials into a soil-conditioning material for non-commercial home use. It can reduce the amount of household waste sent to landfill and can be done with a backyard bin, tumbler or worm farm.
What Can Go In?
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves
- Eggshells
- Dry leaves, small twigs and untreated grass clippings
- Plain paper or cardboard in small pieces
What to Leave Out
Most home systems work better without meat, fish, dairy, oily foods, pet waste, weeds with seeds, diseased plants or treated timber. Check your local council guidance for area-specific rules.
Simple Starter Method
- Choose a shaded, well-drained spot or a contained compost unit.
- Layer moist food scraps with dry materials such as leaves or shredded cardboard.
- Turn or aerate the mix regularly.
- Keep it damp like a wrung-out sponge, not soggy.
With a little practice, composting becomes a low-cost household habit that keeps useful organic material in use.