Composting

Composting represents an action that we all can participate in to reduce the solid waste going to a landfill and create a product which is useful for our (or anyone's) garden.

At our IWMAC discussions we try to evaluate what the best and most efficient methods for reducing, reusing and recycling are for Durham.  Compost comes out in first place for it can be done on one's own property, through containers at the transfer station or by a commercial service.  

If you have space on your land, a pile of leaves and grass clippings can become your compost generator.   This only for plant matter as meat, etc. invite unwanted visitors and an open air compost operation does not generate the conditions necessary to compost these items.  Please note, plant matter does include certain paper products as well.  

Commercial composting operations, Mr. Fox in our area, have facilities that can adequately compost animal protein waste.   The Durham DPW has several containers at the transfer station where residents can drop off their compostable materials on Tuesday and Saturday.  A tip we received from a citizen was to put your compostable bag of material in the freezer and drop it off at your convenience.  

The end result or compost is a valuable soil additive that adds organic and fertilizer value to any garden.  

As well this is a reuse of the material, avoids the landfill and when maintained under optimum conditions, cuts down on the generation of greenhouse gases.