Neal Denton
County and UT Extenuation Agent
wdenton1@utk.edu
Room 560, City County Building
Main Office: 865-215-3557
Fax: 865-215-2933
Backyard composting reduces the amount of waste we put in our landfills and creates soil enriching materials for gardens and flower beds.
What is compost?
Compost is a mixture of residues of organic materials that have been piled, watered, and have undergone decomposition.
Why is composting important?
Since most yard waste and food products are easily degradable under the correct conditions, placing them in a landfill unnecessarily wastes space and money. Compost also benefits soils by serving as a soil conditioner which enriches soil and improves its structure.
What
can I compost?
Materials such as: leaves, twigs, small branches, bark, straw, grass
clippings, paper, manures (cow, chicken, goat, horse, pig, and sheep,)
fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, and coffee grounds. Materials
that should not be put in a compost pile include: meat, cheese, fatty
foods, dog and cat manure, and plants with diseases. Ingredients/Directions
for Composting
What type of bin should I use?
Composting is a natural process which will occur whether or not materials
are in a bin. However, using a bin in your backyard will better contain
materials. A compost bin can be as simple as a cylinder made from
chicken wire or it can be a commercial unit.
The Knoxville Recycling Coalition 525-9692 and the Knox County
Solid Waste Office 215-5865 sell bins in limited number.
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