T – Page 204 – Crazy About Compost

Quick Questions with Peninsula Compost’s Nelson Widell

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvcqbvBkyNQ Recently I sent a few questions over to Nelson Widell at Wilmington Organic Recycling Center. I've visited the facility a few times, and I had some questions about contamination and sorting, as well as bioplastics and pressure treated wood...so here we go: Tyler: How much compost is created each day? Nelson: We are producing about 200 tons per day of compost. Tyler: What would you say the average contamination rate is for your incoming loads? Nelson: Contamination is approximately 3% by weight. Tyler: What's your least favorite common contaminant you receive from incoming loads? (in compost receptacles available to patrons, I always see ketchup packs and plastic utensils) Nelson: The plastic circular label stickers put on bananas and tomatoes is the least favorite contaminant. Tyler: Describe the sorting system in…

Grasscycling – It’s OK to Let it Lay (article)

The internet is so boring today...and when I get bored, somehow I end up reading my home state's website. I know- it's totally pathetic. I've been working my way through their resources on composting, and I found a nice page on grasscycling. Yard waste makes up a large portion of our landfills, and the Fall season reminds me of this as I watch the leaves get swept up for the trash. It's crazy, as leaves are super critical for composting. Hoard them! But what about grass? You can definitely compost without grass, and it's better left to stay where it lay. Why is this? Well, here's an excerpt from the DEP article "Grasscycling - It's OK to Let it Lay": "Grass clippings left on the lawn decompose and act as…

How to Make Balcony Composting Even Easier in 15 Minutes or Less

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deHIIGUiC8s A guy by the name of "travelsignguy" often comments on my Youtube videos, offering feedback and suggestions. Last week I posted the video "How to Start Balcony Composting in 15 Minutes or Less", and he made a great process improvement suggestion right away. I know I don't like turning compost, and I don't think anyone does. He suggested to add a third bucket to alternate with the top bucket in the system. Perfect! In other words, drill holes in a third bucket on the sides and bottom, then each week dump the bucket with composting material into the empty bucket, and put that one into play. By doing this, you're effectively tumbling your compost. The material is being completely overturned, and this is a great oxygen exchange as well.…