What is Composting?
Composting is a natural process which converts organic waste into an earthlike mass by means of bacteria and micro-organisms. The composting process is supported by larvae, wood lice, beetles, worms and other such creatures. Moisture and oxygen are the other important factors in the composting process. Heat is generated during the composting process. As a result, the temperature in the composter may rise to around 50°. Micro-organisms flourish at this temperature, enabling the composting process to proceed more rapidly.
Waste Suitable for Composting
Garden waste: grass, cuttings, leaves, non-woody prunings, flower and vegetable remains.
Uncooked Kitchen Wastes: vegetables, fruit peelings and cores, tea leaves and bags, egg shells
Other material: paper and cardboard, animal manure, sawdust, seaweed, wood fire ash.
Waste Unsuitable for Composting
Woody garden clippings: branches, roots
Some garden wastes: items recently sprayed with pesticides, pine needles, thorny cuttings, weeds, seeds
Meat, dairy foods, fats, oils or grease
Material which doesn't compost
Glass, metals, plastics
Home Composting
Up to 30% of household waste is organic and can be recycled to produce a nutritious compost ideal for the garden. That's why we are offering residents the opportunity to pick-up home composters at a fraction of the usual price. The Council is pleased to offer composting bins to the public, to encourage full participation regardless of lifestyle.
Composters may be purchased from our civic amenity site, V & W Recycling, Newry Road, Dundalk (Te. 042 9329200) for the sum of 40 euro.
For further details contact environment@louthcoco.ie
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