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MECKLENBURG COUNTY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY. Backyard Composting. Producing your own “Black Gold”. The Natural Cycle. Leaves Decomposing. The breakdown releases nutrients. Backyard Composting. Where to place your compost pile. Within reach of a garden hose Convenient to your house
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MECKLENBURG COUNTY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY Backyard Composting Producing your own “Black Gold”
Where to place your compost pile • Within reach of a garden hose • Convenient to your house • If possible, away from trees or bushes (roots will find compost) • At least 30’ from streams, wells or lakes (nitrogen runoff) • Be considerate of your neighbor’s view • Think: Two Piles
Turning the pile • Turn one week after assembling • Turn at least every three to four weeks • The more you turn the pile, the faster it will decompose • If you have more than one pile, you can combine piles as they decrease in volume
What can go into a compost pile? • Leaves • Fruit/vegetable peels, stems • Spoiled fruit and vegetables • Egg shells • Coffee grounds and filters • Tea leaves and bags • Hard-shelled nuts (crushed)
What can go into a compost pile? • Peanut Shells • Clam and oyster shells (ground) • Canning/preserving wastes • Stale bread • Used napkins/paper towels • Manure from horses, cows and chickens • Recycled compost
What should not be included: • Dog droppings • Cat litter and droppings • Charcoal Ashes • Chemically treated plant material • Invasive weeds and plants • Diseased or infested plants • Glossy slick paper • Poisonous or thorny plants
Where to use your compost • New garden beds and plantings • Dig in 2-3” of compost in top 6” • Vegetable gardens/transplants • 2-3” on beds and some in each hole • Existing garden beds • 1” layer around plants
Where to use your compost • Natural areas • ½” under mulch • Side dressings trees/shrubs • Scratch ½” from 1” out from the stem or trunk of plant out to drip line • Lawns • After aeration, spread ½” of compost and rake in • Houseplants • 2/3 potting soil, 1/3 compost
Other uses: • Compost Tea • Unfinished Compost