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Composting 101
Composting in addition to your InSinkErator® garbage disposal has a positive impact on the environment.
Composting in addition to your InSinkErator® garbage disposal has a positive impact on the environment.
Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. It's a simple process, but one that can be disrupted in many ways.
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The ideal compost pile is made up of an equal amount of browns (dead leaves, branches, and twigs), greens (things like grass clippings, food scraps and coffee grounds) and water. The brown materials provide carbon, the green materials provide nitrogen and the water provides moisture to help break down the organic matter.
Too much moisture causes odors, attracts flies and can speed the production of substances harmful to plants. Too little moisture and the decomposition process will stop. Compost is naturally slightly acidic, but if it becomes too acidic, it will begin to smell and decomposition will slow.
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Certain food waste can invite unwanted guests to your compost pile. Use an InSinkErator garbage disposal to eliminate foods like pasta, bread, meat, and bones to keep pests from your compost.
Almost anything that grows out of the ground can be composted. Many non-food items that shouldn't be put down a garbage disposal can be composted–things like paper products, sawdust, and wood chips.
The open soil lets helpful bacteria and worms to aerate your compost.
Putting a few inches of straw or sticks on top of the soil, under your compost pile helps keep the right amount of moisture.
Add material in thin layers, alternating between moist and dry to allow faster decomposition.
Keep your compost pile covered with whatever you can. This keeps it from being over watered by rain.
Your compost should be moist, but not soaked. Water when necessary.
Turn the pile every few weeks with a pitchfork or shovel. Doing this adds in the necessary oxygen to continue the composting process.
Use an InSinkErator garbage disposal to eliminate non-compostable foods and keep them out of landfills.