Everything You Have Always Wanted to Know （你一直想知道的一切）.pdf

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation EVERYTHING YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT HOME COMPOSTING... But Were Afraid to Ask! printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper Recycling makes a difference in our environment, in the wise use of our natural resources and in the economic well-being of our state. It’s everyone’s responsibility to do their part and recycling is easy. Don’t forget to ask about recycled products when you shop. Every small effort combines with others to make a big difference. What Is ompost? Compost is a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling mixture that consists mostly of decayed organic matter. Composting is a simple way to recycle nutrients and return them to the soil to be used again. By composting your yard trimmings and food scraps, you can help lighten the load of waste that would otherwise go to a landfill. Compost is often mixed into the soil to make it richer for growing plants. It can also be used as a mulch around plants and trees. What Can I Compost? • Yard trimmings, such as fallen leaves, grass clippings, small branches, weeds and the remains of garden plants. • Kitchen scraps EXCEPT FOR meat, fish, bones and fatty foods (such as cheese, salad dressing and leftover cooking oil). Egg shells are fine to add. • Large woody branches that are cut, chipped or shredded into pieces can be added to a compost system to create air spaces in the pile. Woody material can be chipped into smaller pieces and used as a mulch or for paths, where they will eventually decompose. How Do I Start Composting? Begin by collecting yard trimmings and throwing them in your pile or bin. You can then add yard trimmings and food scraps anytime bu