Backyard Compost Bin Sale 2010
by Veronica Smith, Public Relations Intern, Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services

The Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District will conduct a Backyard Compost Bin sale at Cincinnati State and Princeton High School on May 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come get a bargain on a name-brand compost bin at more than half off the retail price. The Earth Machine will be sold for $35 (retail value of $100) and composting accessories will start at $7.00.

Backyard composting is an easy way to recycle yardwaste and produce a nutrient-rich soil amendment that is great for gardening. It loosens soil for better root penetration, improves capacity to hold water and adds essential nutrients to soil.

After purchasing your bin, to compost, simply choose a shaded, protected area in your backyard to protect the compost from direct sunlight and wind, but not too close to waterways or wooden buildings or trees.

Mix materials high in carbon such as leaves, straw, sawdust or paper with grass clippings and food waste, which provides nitrogen and let nature take its course! What to Compost:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps

• Egg shells

• Leaves and pine needles

• Green plants and flowers

• Coffee grounds

• Tea bags

• Grass clippings

• Manure from animals that do not eat meat

• Shredded newspaper

• Wood ash

• Straw and hay

• Wood chips and sawdust

• Cornstalks

• Brush and shrub trimmings

Turning the pile once or twice a month will produce compost in about a year. The more frequently you turn, the faster the compost will decompose and be ready for use in mulching or incorporating into the soil.

For more information about composting or the Backyard Compost Bin Sale, call the Hamilton County Compost and Yardwaste Hotline at 946-7755 or visit hamiltoncountyrecycles.org. Be sure to follow HCDOES on Twitter and Facebook.