Do you know the benefits of composting?

Composting file image. (CTV News/Steve Mansbridge)

Did you know composting kitchen and yard waste can significantly cut down on household waste that gets sent to the landfill?

Here is what the City of Barrie wants residents to know about the benefits of composting.

Composting

Along with reducing the amount of waste that fills the landfill, composting helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provides nutrients for plants, and improves soil health.

Items including leaves, grass clippings, weeds, plants, fruit scraps, tea bags, coffee grounds and the filter, crushed egg shells and shredded paper are all acceptable for the compost.

Things like plastic, dairy products, cheese, meat sauces, pet waste, meat, fish, bones and oils should not be composted, plus they attract pesky pests.

Compost shouldn’t smell if done right, the City says. “If you notice an unpleasant odour, you could have too much water in your compost, or it may be too compacted.”

The City says to turn the pile often to aerate it and speed up the process.

While composting is slower during the winter months due to the cold temperatures, you can continue to add organics even if its frozen. “The process will continue when the heap thaws out,” the City stated.

Pest-Proofing

There are plenty of pros to composting, but one con is how it can attract unwanted visitors, like mice, raccoons, rats and insects.

"The best solution is prevention. If you compost correctly, your pile will be less attractive to pests," the City says.

To make your compost less desirable to small critters, avoid putting items like meats, fish, fatty foods or pet waste in it. Placing dry leaves and dead plants at the bottom of the pile and along the interior walls can provide airflow, drainage and odour control.

"Ensure that each layer remains slightly damp to discourage nesting. A well maintained bin will not attract as many pests," the City added.

It’s best to cover exposed food with dry leaves or a layer of soil to reduce smells, and to poke holes in the pile every week or two to help deter pests.

Getting Started

Compost is currently available at the Barrie Landfill on Ferndale Drive North for those interested in getting started in the process.

Compost is available for:

• $10 for up to 1.5 cubic metres (truck or trailer load)
• $5 for up to 0.3 cubic metres (bucket or car load)
• Commercial and non-resident for $25/tonne with a $10 minimum

Composting doesn’t happen overnight. It can take anywhere from six months to two years to break down the organics, but the City says with the right aeration and amount of water, the benefits are worth the wait.