Interested in getting started with composting? According to the EPA, composting is beneficial because:

  • Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.

  • Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

  • Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.

  • Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.

Working in trash pickup in Pitt and Lenoir County, we’re very passionate about making sure the processes we use are green and our customers are too. That’s why we support both investing in a trash collection service but getting involved in composting as well. This and some of our other green suggestions is a great way to deal with trash responsibly. That being said, getting started with composting can be daunting. With that in mind, here is our quick guide to composting.

What to Compost

Before you start composting, it’s important to know what foods from your normal routine that can be composted. Essentially only raw fruits, veggies, and eggshells can be composted. More specifically, here’s a handy list:
Brown Material

  • Dry Leaves
  • Wood
  • Nut and Nut Shells
  • Pinecones
  • Pine Needles
  • Hay
  • Paper Products (Without Color)
  • Potting Soil
  • Houseplants

Green Material

  • Old Lettuce
  • Eggshells
  • Left-Over Juicing Pulp
  • Old Fruits and Peels
  • Corn Stalks
  • Hedge and Grass Clippings
  • Seaweed
  • Coffee Grounds and Filters
  • Tea Bags (Remove Staples)

What Not To Compost

A compost pile can go out of control if you’re putting the wrong ingredients in it. Here is what shouldn’t be in your compost bin or pile:

  • Weeds
  • Coal Ash
  • Colored Paper
  • Diseased Plants
  • Meats, Bones, and Fish
  • Anything inorganic
  • Pet Feces
  • Any Pesticide Treated Greens
  • Dairy Products

How It Works

Now that you know what to put in it, make sure you keep your compost bucket in your kitchen in addition to a trash can. It’s a great idea to keep it under the sink, but if you have a nice container you can easily leave it on the countertop. As you go through the day, start dumping your food and kitchen waste into the bucket. Once it’s full, dump the scraps outside in your designated compost pile outside. Where ever you put it, a shady spot is ideal so the pile doesn’t get dried out.
The key to keeping a healthy compost is to have a good mixture of green, or nitrogen-rich, vs. brown, or carbon-rich, materials. Don’t overload on grass clippings or yard waste. Make sure to flip some fresh soil on top of the scraps and walk away. Go back in 2-3 weeks and check on the progress of your re-usable garden soil. Then you can start using it for your garden or whatever other compost needs you have.

Need More Help with Trash Pickup in Pitt County?

Composting isn’t the only way to go green. Another way is by partnering with a trash collection service with your needs in mind. We can cater our service to your needs to make sure it’s as green as possible.
Countryside Sanitation Service LLC is a locally and family owned and operated company in Pitt County. We incorporated our business in 2010 and work hard to provide our customers with the highest quality trash removal service every single day. At the heart of our business is the commitment to our customer’s satisfaction. To us, you are more than just a number. When you partner with us, you’re making a commitment to worry-free trash collection: there are no contracts to sign and we have no hidden fees. Contact us to get started today.