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 You Should 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 egg shells 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 Glippings
- Seaweed
- Coffee Grounds and Filters
- Tea Bags (Remove Staples)
What You Should Not 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 to Do It
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 counter top. 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 Trash Pickup Help?
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 for 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.