“recycling organic materials”

MHOOSA COMPOSTHow to use and benefit from our compost

bins.

Which bin is which?Bin on the right: Begin the process; add scraps.

Bin in the middle: Step two of composting.Bin on the left: Finished product; usable.

What works:

Coffee Grounds

Tea Bags

Fruit/Veg Peelings

Crushed Eggshells

Corn cobs, banana and orange peels take a very long time to compost or break down. Chop them up before adding to the pile.

What does not work:

Yard Waste

Compostable Bags

Fruit/Veg Pits

Avocado Skins & Pits

Pineapple Tops

Now what? Tips on using your compost.*As Soil Enrichment in Vegetable and Flower Gardens: Add from 1”-3” of compost to your soil and work it in well.

As Mulch Around Trees, Shrubs, or Plants: Compost used as a mulch will help suppress weeds, reduce soil erosion, moderate the soil temperature, and conserve soil moisture. Compost will also make a cozy home for earthworms, who help aerate the soil.

Compost Tea: Compost can also help you get a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. Place some compost in a gunnysack or similar bag of loose woven fabric. Soak the bag in a barrel or bucket of rainwater for three days. Use this to water your plants. It will feed them and stimulate growth.

* Minneapolis City of Lakes, Solid Waste & Recycling: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/solid-waste/solid-waste_compost

Resources

http://www.ehow.com/facts_7169535_composting-concepts.html

http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/articles/authored/what-not-to-compost

http://www.compostinstructions.com/how-to-use-compost-in-your-yard-and-garden/