I would like to start composting . . .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A couple thoughts on this -- if you live in a city with a composting service (they're often run by nonprofits and charge a small fee) that might be the best way to go.

I have a rotating bin. It doesn't create quality compost for my garden, really (although I do use the stuff it makes and I think it at least provides some nitrogen) BUT it does radically reduce the amount of waste we produce because even if the end product isn't amazing, the food waste is converted into it -- it's sort of funny how much stuff goes into creating such a small amount of dirt, but I know that if we were to toss the food waste, it would go into the landfill. If we were to take more care in balancing the greens/browns, I bet the compost would be higher quality but I'm not that motivated.

Why do you think it’s not high quality, PP? I am a gardener, and I’d take mostly-decomposed kitchen compost over store bought compost any day. I think your garden will be very happy with it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just signed up for a MoCo pilot program that will collect food scraps in a green bin. Hopefully they roll it out to the rest of the county.

Anyone aware of anything like this in Fairfax? Compost Crew isn't in my area yet.

I can take to the Dump but it's a nightmare getting in and out of there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A couple thoughts on this -- if you live in a city with a composting service (they're often run by nonprofits and charge a small fee) that might be the best way to go.

I have a rotating bin. It doesn't create quality compost for my garden, really (although I do use the stuff it makes and I think it at least provides some nitrogen) BUT it does radically reduce the amount of waste we produce because even if the end product isn't amazing, the food waste is converted into it -- it's sort of funny how much stuff goes into creating such a small amount of dirt, but I know that if we were to toss the food waste, it would go into the landfill. If we were to take more care in balancing the greens/browns, I bet the compost would be higher quality but I'm not that motivated.

Why do you think it’s not high quality, PP? I am a gardener, and I’d take mostly-decomposed kitchen compost over store bought compost any day. I think your garden will be very happy with it!

Exactly. I've put out mostly decomposed compost with corn cobs and mango seeds and within a couple of weeks it was great dirt.

Also, rats don't get attracted to your compost if you only put in vegetable and plant waste. No protein or fat. They've got better things to eat than your carrots.

I use a turning compost bin. I actually have two.

The main thing people get wrong about composting is not putting enough browns in. If you just put your kitchen and yard waste, there won't be enough dry stuff like shredded newspaper or wood chips. If you get the newspaper, just rip it up and put it in. If you don't, buying shredded wood that people use for lining horse enclosures is the cheapest thing to buy. Equal amounts kitchen waste and something brown like those above will almost guarantee you success.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just signed up for a MoCo pilot program that will collect food scraps in a green bin. Hopefully they roll it out to the rest of the county.

Anyone aware of anything like this in Fairfax? Compost Crew isn't in my area yet.

I can take to the Dump but it's a nightmare getting in and out of there.

Here's an article with drop off location in VA.
https://northernvirginiamag.com/culture/news/2019/12/24/want-to-compost-but-not-in-your-backyard-heres-where-to-drop-off-organic-waste-across-nova/

[Anonymous]

I drop mine off at the farmer's market weekly, so I can't help with the post-kitchen end of the equation.

I have a 6-quart tupperware box that sits on my kitchen counter. I line it with newspaper. Half way through the week, I wrap the contents in more newspaper and shove it in the freezer. At the end of the week, I put the new scraps plus the frozen newspaper block into a paper bag, and drop that at the market.

[Anonymous]

Loudoun has Food Loop Compost. They also go to Herndon and Reston; they work with businesses and households.

https://www.foodloopcompost.com/