Useful Information

* Don’t leave food scraps on top of your pile, it will only attract flies; instead put a layer of leaves or soil on top of the scraps.

* Rats are unlikely to be attracted to the composter but should they appear, stop adding food to your pile and invest in some animal repellent.

* To keep odour away ensure that you keep a good mixture of GREENS and BROWNS. If odour does occur add extra BROWN material to your pile.

* A good tip for dedicated gardeners is to locate the bin where you want to plant next year, once you remove the bin after 6-12 months you are left with nutrient-rich soil that is ready for planting.

* To help the process along ensure that the pile remains moist to allow the organisms to do their job, the pile should be as wet as a squeezed-out sponge.

* If your pile gets too hot, reduce the heat by adding woody material and cold water - but don’t make it too soggy.

* To save yourself time and effort in the garden leave your grass mowings on the lawn. When clippings are allowed to decompose naturally they act as a nitrogen-rich fertiliser, a mulch and encourage worm aeration.

For further information on composting and waste minimisation contact:

Ann-Marie Kelly
Environment Awareness Officer,
Environment Section ,
Laois County Council ,
Áras an Chontae,
Portlaoise,
Phone : (057) 864000