Composting and wormfarming

Composting | Wormfarming

See also Enviro-Works and short courses for more information on free composting and worm farming courses run by council.

Composting

Why compost? Over 50% of most residents garbage can be composted. Instead of this material contributing to methane gas in the landfill it can be reused as a valuable soil conditioner replenishing nutrients in your garden.  An efficient hot compost pile can create useable compost in a few months. Most people use a lower maintenance cold composting method which may take 6-12 months. Insects and critters in your compost are helping to breakdown the material and often play a vital role in your garden.

What can I compost?

You should compost a mixture of carbon (dry) and nitrogen (wet) materials including:

• dry leaves, bread, pieces of paper and cardboard, vacuum cleaner lint, hay and straw (dry)
• fresh grass clippings, tea bags, coffee grounds, fruit & vegetable scraps (wet)

DO NOT compost meats, dairy foods, or any fats, oil, or grease because they can attract pests.

How do I compost?

Start the pile with a 4-inch layer of leaves, loose soil, or other coarse yard trimmings. If you are going to compost food scraps, you should mix them with yard trimmings when adding them to the pile. In dry weather, sprinkle water on the pile, but don't get it too soggy. Turn the pile every few weeks with a pitchfork to circulate air and distribute moisture evenly. Don't be surprised by the heat of the pile or if you see worms, both of which is part of the decomposition process. Make sure children do not play in the composting pile or bin.

Where do I buy a compost bin and get more information about composting?

Sutherland Shire Council sell compost bins to Sutherland residents, please enquire at the Administration building customer service counter or at our Garden nursery. We recommend that you attend one of our Enviro-works courses to learn more about how to compost. Most hardware stores, department stores and gardening stores also sell compost bins.

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Worm farming

Why worm farm?

A worm farm is a container made up of plastic, wood or any other lightweight, waterproof material. If you have very little or no garden space, a worm farm is a good way to compost your fruit and vegetable scraps. Compost worms turn organic matter into rich plant food, which can be used in the garden or to feed your pot plants.

What can I put in my worm farm?

Worms love to eat:

• fruit and vegetable scraps
• tea leaves/bags and coffee beans
• crushed egg shells
• vase flowers
• vacuum cleaner dust.

They don't like:

• onions, garlic, shallots, citrus fruit and chillies
• it is best to avoid meat, dairy foods and fatty foods.

Where do I buy a worm farm and get more information on worm farming?

Sutherland Shire Council sell worm farms to Sutherland residents, please enquire at the Administration building customer service counter or at our Garden nursery. We recommend that you attend one of our Enviro-works courses on composting and worm farming. Some hardware stores and gardening stores also sell worm farms.

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