Composter

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Choosing your composter: what you need to know

The material

Composters are available in a variety of materials ranging from wood, plastic, metal, or resin. To make your choice, only one criterion matters: your preference. Indeed, the material of the structure does not affect the quality of the compost you will obtain, as the latter depends enormously on the waste you will add to it. The key is to always maintain a good balance between carbon-rich materials and nitrogen-rich materials. For bacteria to have optimal activity, carbon must be 25 to 35 times more present than nitrogen.

The size

To choose the size of a composter, you must take into account two main criteria, both equally important: the size of your garden and the amount of waste you produce. Indeed, these two elements determine both the amount of compost you can produce as well as what you need for your garden.

The configuration

The configuration of your compost bin is also an important point to consider before making your purchase. It is preferable that it be equipped with a lid that maintains a constant humidity level, neither too low nor too high, in order to obtain good decomposition of waste. Also consider choosing a composter that has a drawer or hatch located at its base to be able to retrieve the finished compost for your gardening.

Where to install a composter in your garden?

Preferably place your composter in a semi-shaded and well-ventilated area of your garden. You must absolutely avoid placing it in direct sunlight so that it does not dry out and the composting process is not altered. Do not install it in a windy area where you risk seeing the lid of your composter constantly opened by the wind.

As for the surface on which to place your compost bin, it must allow earthworms to access your bin, since they play a key role in the formation of your compost. You cannot install it on a concrete slab, asphalt, or gravel.

What waste can be put in the compost bin?

To obtain good quality compost, it is essential to maintain a good balance between so-called "green" waste, rich in nitrogen, and "brown" waste, rich in carbon.

The following are considered "green" waste:

• fresh grass clippings;
• flowers and weeds;
• fruit and vegetable scraps;
• prepared meal leftovers (in small quantities);
• herbivore or granivore manure.

As for "brown" waste, you can add:

• coffee grounds and tea bags without staples;
• eggshells and dry fruit shells;
• untreated paper and cardboard;
• paper napkins and unbleached paper towels;
• dry leaves;
• straw;
• branches, twigs, wood chips, and bark.

What waste should not be put in the compost?

Certain wastes are not suitable for composting and can even harm the quality of the compost produced or attract pests. Here are those to avoid:

• Meat and dairy products: their slow, odorous decomposition attracts rats and insects.
• Chemically treated waste: this includes treated woods, plants, or lawns that have received pesticides, which can release harmful substances.
• Oils and fats: they disrupt the activity of microorganisms essential to compost.
• Pet excrement: risk of disease spread.
• Coal ash: it may contain toxic substances that contaminate the compost.
• Non-biodegradable materials: glass, plastic, and metal do not decompose and pollute the soil.