Composting in Lakewood, Colorado offers residents an eco-friendly way to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable community. The city provides several options for composting, including drop-off locations and at-home methods, making it accessible for all residents to participate.

Lakewood’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its composting initiatives. Residents can utilize drop-off sites like Joy’s Kitchen and Karma House, or explore at-home composting techniques. These practices not only divert organic waste from landfills but also create nutrient-rich soil for gardens and landscaping.

Embracing composting in Lakewood is a practical step towards combating climate change. By recycling organic materials, residents can reduce methane emissions from landfills and decrease their carbon footprint. This guide will explore the various composting methods available in Lakewood, empowering residents to make informed choices for a greener future.

The Basics of Composting

Composting transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. This natural process reduces landfill waste and creates a valuable resource for gardens and agriculture.

What Is Compost

Compost is decomposed organic matter. It forms when microorganisms break down materials like food scraps, yard waste, and paper products. The process requires three main ingredients:

• Browns: Dead leaves, branches, and twigs
• Greens: Grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds
• Water: Proper moisture to facilitate decomposition

A well-balanced compost pile has a mix of these elements. The ideal size for a home compost system is at least 3 feet wide by 3 feet long by 3 feet high. This size allows for efficient decomposition and heat retention.

Benefits of Composting

Composting offers numerous advantages for gardeners and the environment:

1. Soil Improvement: Compost enhances soil structure and fertility.
2. Water Conservation: It helps soil retain moisture, reducing watering needs.
3. Waste Reduction: Composting diverts organic waste from landfills.
4. Cost Savings: It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and store-bought soil amendments.

Compost also supports beneficial microorganisms and earthworms. These creatures improve soil health and plant growth. By using compost, gardeners can create thriving, sustainable landscapes.

Composting and Climate Change

Composting plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change:

• Reduced Methane Emissions: Organic matter in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting prevents this by diverting waste.
• Carbon Sequestration: Compost helps soil store carbon, removing it from the atmosphere.
• Decreased Chemical Use: It reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions during production and transport.

In Lakewood, CO, composting is particularly important due to the region’s climate challenges. By composting, residents can help conserve water, improve soil health, and contribute to local sustainability efforts.

Understanding Compostables

Effective composting relies on properly balancing different types of organic materials. The key is knowing which items to include and exclude from your compost pile.

Browns and Greens

Browns are carbon-rich materials that provide structure and energy to compost. They include dry leaves, small twigs, shredded newspaper, and sawdust. Browns help aerate the pile and balance moisture levels.

Greens are nitrogen-rich materials that feed microorganisms and heat up the pile. Food scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds are common greens. They break down quickly and provide nutrients for the composting process.

A good compost mix aims for about 3 parts browns to 1 part greens by volume. This ratio helps maintain proper decomposition and prevents odors.

Balancing Nitrogen and Carbon

Nitrogen and carbon are essential for microbial growth in compost. Nitrogen-rich materials (greens) provide protein for microorganisms. Carbon-rich materials (browns) supply energy.

Too much nitrogen can lead to a smelly, wet pile. Excess carbon slows decomposition. Aim for a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of about 30:1 for optimal composting.

Adjust the mix by adding more browns if the pile is too wet or smelly. Add greens if decomposition seems slow. Regular turning helps distribute materials evenly.

Items to Exclude

Certain items should not be added to compost piles:

• Meat, fish, and dairy products (attract pests)
• Diseased plants (may spread pathogens)
• Pet waste (can contain harmful bacteria)
• Treated wood products (may contain toxic chemicals)
• Oily foods (can create anaerobic conditions)
• Inorganic materials like plastic or metal

Avoid adding large amounts of citrus peels or onions, as they can be acidic and slow decomposition. Stick to plant-based food scraps and yard waste for best results.

Setting Up Your Composting System

Creating an effective composting system requires careful planning and setup. Proper bin selection, ideal location, and maintenance techniques are key to successful composting in Lakewood, CO.

Choosing a Composting Bin

Selecting the right composting bin is crucial for effective waste management. Lakewood residents can choose from various options:

1. Enclosed bins: Ideal for small spaces, these contain odors and deter pests.
2. Open bins: Best for larger yards, allowing easy access for turning compost.
3. Tumbling bins: Efficient for quick composting, requiring less physical effort.

When selecting a bin, consider size, material, and ease of use. A 3x3x3 foot bin is suitable for most households. Bins made of recycled plastic or wood are durable choices for Colorado’s climate.

Location and Setup

Proper placement of your composting bin is essential for optimal performance:

• Choose a level, well-drained area in your yard.
• Place the bin in partial shade to maintain moisture.
• Ensure easy access for adding materials and turning compost.

Set up your bin on bare soil to allow beneficial organisms to enter. If using a purchased bin, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly. For DIY bins, use wire mesh or wooden pallets to create a sturdy structure.

Maintaining Moisture and Aeration

Proper moisture and aeration are vital for successful composting:

• Aim for a moisture level similar to a wrung-out sponge.
• Add dry materials if the pile is too wet, or water if it’s too dry.
• Turn the compost regularly to introduce oxygen.

Use a pitchfork or compost aerator to mix materials every 1-2 weeks. This promotes decomposition and prevents odors. In Colorado’s dry climate, monitor moisture levels closely and adjust as needed.

To maintain proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, alternate layers of brown (carbon-rich) and green (nitrogen-rich) materials. This balance accelerates decomposition and produces nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Composting in Lakewood, CO

Lakewood offers various composting options for residents to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil. The city provides guidelines, community programs, and pickup services to support sustainable practices.

Local Guidelines and Resources

Lakewood encourages residents to compost at home or participate in community programs. The city’s website offers tips on starting a backyard compost pile, including recommended materials and proper maintenance techniques. Lakewood also provides information on vermicomposting, an indoor method using worms to break down food scraps.

For those needing supplies, local garden centers like Green Mountain Garden Shop and O’Toole’s Garden Center stock composting bins and tools. The Lakewood Recycling Center accepts yard waste for composting, helping residents who can’t compost at home.

Residents can find educational resources and workshops through the city’s sustainability department, teaching proper composting methods and troubleshooting common issues.

Community Composting Programs

Lakewood supports several community composting initiatives. The Karma House at 608 Garrison St. hosts a Compost Colorado drop-off site, allowing members to contribute food scraps and yard waste. This program turns waste into valuable compost for local gardens and farms.

Wompost, another community program, operates a drop-off location at Lakewood United Church of Christ. Participants can bring their compostable materials to the front parking lot at 100 Carr St.

These programs offer a convenient option for apartment dwellers or those without space for backyard composting. They also foster a sense of community around sustainable practices.

Compost Pickup Service

For residents seeking convenience, Lakewood has compost pickup services available. Compost Colorado offers curbside collection for members, removing the hassle of transporting materials to drop-off sites.

Core 4 Compost serves Lakewood and neighboring areas, providing regular pickup of food scraps and yard waste. They offer different bin sizes to accommodate various household needs.

These services typically provide customers with special bins and compostable bags. They collect materials on a set schedule, similar to traditional waste pickup. The collected organic matter is then processed at industrial composting facilities.

Managing Your Compost Pile

Proper management is crucial for successful composting. A well-maintained pile breaks down organic waste efficiently, producing nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Monitoring Temperature

Temperature indicates microbial activity in your compost pile. Use a compost thermometer to check the core temperature regularly. Aim for 130-150°F (54-66°C) in the center of the pile. This heat range kills weed seeds and pathogens.

If temperatures drop below 100°F (38°C), add more nitrogen-rich “green” materials like grass clippings or food scraps. For overheating piles exceeding 160°F (71°C), add carbon-rich “brown” materials such as dry leaves or shredded paper.

Keep the pile moist but not waterlogged. Proper moisture supports microbial activity and prevents methane production. The compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge when squeezed.

Turning the Compost

Regular turning aerates the pile, speeding up decomposition. Turn your compost every 1-2 weeks using a pitchfork or compost aerator tool. This mixes materials, redistributes moisture, and introduces oxygen.

For small piles, lift and mix the contents. With larger bins, move material from the center to the edges and vice versa. Turning also helps maintain even temperatures throughout the pile.

If using a tumbler-style bin, give it a few spins every few days to mix contents thoroughly. This frequent agitation accelerates the composting process in enclosed systems.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Foul odors often indicate excess moisture or lack of oxygen. Add dry, carbon-rich materials and turn the pile to improve airflow. If the pile is too dry and decomposition slows, add water while turning.

Pests like rodents or flies may be attracted to exposed food scraps. Bury fresh organic waste in the center of the pile and cover with brown materials. Use a rodent-resistant bin if persistent problems occur.

Weed growth in your pile means the compost isn’t heating up enough. Turn more frequently and add nitrogen-rich materials to boost microbial activity. Remove any flowering weeds to prevent seed dispersal.

Using Your Finished Compost

Properly using finished compost maximizes its benefits for your garden and landscape. This nutrient-rich material enhances soil structure, improves plant growth, and reduces waste sent to landfills.

Harvesting Compost

Finished compost has a dark, crumbly texture and earthy smell. To harvest, sift the material through a 1/2-inch screen to remove any large chunks. This process ensures a uniform product.

Set aside incompletely decomposed materials and return them to the composting bin. They’ll continue breaking down in the next cycle.

Store the sifted compost in a dry, covered container until ready for use. This protects it from excessive moisture and maintains its quality.

Application in Gardens and Landscapes

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of compost to garden beds before planting. Work it into the top 6-8 inches of soil with a garden fork or tiller.

For established plants, spread a 1/2 inch layer around the base, avoiding direct contact with stems. This acts as a nutrient-rich mulch.

Mix compost into potting soil at a 1:3 ratio for container plants. This improves water retention and provides slow-release nutrients.

Use compost as a lawn top dressing. Spread a thin 1/4 inch layer and rake it in. This helps build healthy turf without smothering grass.

Storing Excess Compost

Keep extra compost in a dry, shaded area. Use covered bins or tarps to protect from rain and maintain nutrient levels.

For long-term storage, consider bagging compost in breathable burlap sacks. This allows air circulation while keeping the material contained.

Label stored compost with the production date. While it doesn’t spoil, it may lose some potency over time. Use older batches first for best results.

Rotate stored compost occasionally to prevent compaction and maintain its loose structure. This ensures it remains ready for use when needed.