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Home composting

Composting at home may reduce the amount of waste you throw away by around 30%. The compost you make can then go back on to your flower beds and vegetable patch to improve the quality of the soil and help the plants to grow.

What is compost?

Compost is a dark brown nutrient rich soil made as a result of the natural breakdown of organic materials such as fruit and vegetable peelings, grass cuttings and plant prunings. These organic materials are broken down into smaller pieces by the bacteria, insects and animals which live in the soil.

What are the benefits of composting?

• Compost is a free feed and soil conditioner for your garden. It improves the soil's structure, texture, and aeration whilst increasing the soil's water-holding capacity.
• It is very easy to make and could be ready in just six months.

What can I compost?

Like any recipe, your compost relies on the right ingredients to make it work. Good things you can compost include vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags, plant prunings and grass cuttings. These are considered "greens" and are quick to rot, providing important nitrogen and moisture.

You can also compost cardboard egg boxes, scrunched up or shredded paper, and fallen leaves which are considered "browns" and are slower to rot. They provide fibre and carbon whilst allowing important air pockets to form in the mixture. Crushed eggshells can also be included to add useful minerals.

What can't I compost?

Certain things should never be placed in your compost bin such as cooked vegetables, meat, dairy products, diseased plants, and definitely not any dog poo, cat litter, or baby's nappies. These would encourage unwanted pests and they can also create odour. Another thing to avoid putting in your compost bin is perennial weeds, such as dandelions and thistles, or weeds with seed heads.

Where can I buy a compost bin? Surrey County Council are offering a variety of compost bins, wormeries, water butts and kitchen composters at subsidised rates. To buy a bin,or to dig up more advice on how to turn your table scraps and garden waste into compost, visit Surrey's composting page (This link will open in a new window) or call 0844 571 4444.

How can I find out more information?

If you would like a more comprehensive list of what you can and can't put in your compost bin, or for more help troubleshooting, please visit the recycle now website (This link will open in a new window).

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