Food scraps

Although yard materials are banned from Wisconsin landfills, food scraps are not. We encourage you to compost your food scraps along with yard materials in your backyard. It’s a simple way to save landfill space and reduce methane released from landfills. Be sure to check your local ordinances before starting a compost to find out if there are restrictions or other considerations that may apply.

Composting is a natural recycling process that you can begin at home with leaves, grass clippings, other lawn and garden materials, and fruit/vegetable scraps. Natural microorganisms from the ground interact with compost materials to help break down plant matter. Proper moisture, air and temperature aid these natural microorganisms in their work. Naturally fortified with nutrients, the finished compost is perfect for use as an organic plant food and soil amendment.

Getting started:

1. Gather green and brown yard waste.

2. In a heap or bin, mix two parts brown yard waste with one part green yard waste.

3. Adding a small amount of garden soil and chopping up leaves before mixing them into the pile will both speed the composting process.

4. Add water so compost is kept as moist as a wrung-out sponge.

5. Turn the pile every week. (Not necessary, but will speed the process)

6. When the ingredients are black and no longer recognizable you have finished compost. This will take between 6 weeks to one year depending on frequency of turning and how well you maintain the moisture of the pile.

7. Fruit and vegetable scraps can be added to your compost pile.