Domestic composting: reusing the waste with intelligence
Domestic composting is a natural way to recycle organic material such as kitchen scraps or garden waste. Want to practice composting at home? Learn what you need to do in order to get started!
Microorganisms, including bacteria or fungi, feed on the waste and break it down into a dark crumbly mass called compost
In other words, domestic composting is rich in plant nutrients and you can dig it into the soil to improve your garden.
When waste is dumped into landfills, methane formation (CH4) occurs. This gas is extremely harmful because it contributes to the formation of the greenhouse effect and increases carbon footprint.
There are 2 types of domestic composting
- Aerobics - in this type, the organisms that break down organic matter, require oxygen for chemical reactions to occur. This composting takes place outdoors, in a drum, tire, in a revolving room or in any container you think it serves.
- Anaerobic - domestic composting of this species occurs in plastic bags or tightly closed plastic containers. It may generate a strong smell, because of the production of hydrogen sulfide. In other words, this composting happens when matter undergoes fermentation in an environment with little oxygen.
Domestic composting is an easy, inexpensive and effective way to reduce the amount of garbage you generate
What you need to know to get started:
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Stack 3 plastic boxes, the same size, dark, one with lid;
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Get about 100 worms to be placed in one of the boxes;
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Stack the boxes in 3 levels: in the two top boxes will be composted;
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Drill small holes in the bottom and side of the top two boxes to generate ventilation. These holes will also be responsible for the communication between one box and another;
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In the top box, line with dry leaves and small branches or sawdust. This first layer will act as a drain for the composter;
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Place the earthworms and, just above the organic waste;
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Cover the residues with another layer of dry leaves to contribute to oxygenation;
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Close the box and then make daily deposits until it is filled;
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Once the box is complete, wipe it down and climb an empty box to restart the process;
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It is not necessary to put new earthworms.
What can and cannot be composted?
- Allowed: fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, grains, and seeds.
- Not allowed: meat, onion, garlic, lemon peel, dairy products, oils, fats, used toilet paper, household animal feces, wheat derivatives, sick plants, excess citrus fruits, excess salt, and highly processed foods.
