Why do we compost?

Composting is a natural way to recycle vegetable scraps and yard waste.  The finished product is a dark brown, crumbly mix that

• keeps soil moist
• reduces run-off
• adds nutrients that make plants healthier and better able to resist pests and disease.

Other benefits include reducing the need for landfill space and reducing the methane produced when waste in the landfill decomposes.

What goes into a compost pile?

• Animal manure
• Cardboard rolls
• Clean wet paper & paper towels (dry paper should be recycled)
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Cotton rags
• Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint
• Eggshells
• Fireplace ashes
• Fruits and vegetables
• Grass clippings
• Hair and fur
• Hay and straw
• Houseplants
• Leaves
• Nut shells
• Sawdust
• Shredded newspaper
• Tea bags
• Wood chips
• Wool rags
• Yard trimmings

What does NOT go into a compost pile?

• Black walnut tree leaves or twigs 
• Coal or charcoal ash   
• Dairy products (e.g., butter, egg yolks, milk, sour cream, yogurt) Diseased or insect-ridden plants      
• Fats, grease, lard, or oils  
• Meat or fish bones and scraps      
• Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)    

     
Summit’s composting bins are found behind the science building. Click here for a brochure on how to set up a 3-bin compost system.

To learn more about composting, go to http://www.epa.gov/compost/.  According to the EPA, yard trimmings and food scraps equal 23% of the waste from U.S. cities.

'”starve the landfill”
“feed the soil”