Composting in Spokane, Washington offers residents a practical way to reduce waste and enrich their gardens. The city provides resources and demonstrations to help locals get started with home composting. The Green Zone Home Composting Demonstration site features various types of compost bins, showcasing different stages of decomposition for yard debris and kitchen vegetable waste.

Spokane County’s Master Composters & Recyclers program promotes home composting through volunteer efforts and educational initiatives. This program offers guidance on what materials to include in compost bins and provides a recycling hotline for residents seeking additional information. By composting, Spokane residents can contribute to waste reduction while creating nutrient-rich soil for their plants.

Understanding Composting Basics

Composting transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment through natural decomposition processes. This practice recycles valuable materials and reduces landfill waste.

What Is Compost?

Compost is the product of decomposed organic matter. It’s a dark, crumbly substance that improves soil structure and fertility. Compost contains essential nutrients plants need to thrive.

Organic materials like food scraps, yard trimmings, and paper products break down into compost. Microorganisms facilitate this process, converting complex materials into simpler forms.

Compost improves soil water retention, reduces erosion, and supports beneficial soil organisms. It’s a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers for gardens and landscapes.

The Science of Decomposition

Decomposition is the biological process that breaks down organic matter. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi are key players in this process.

These organisms consume organic materials, releasing heat, carbon dioxide, and water. The heat generated can reach up to 160°F (71°C) in active compost piles.

Factors affecting decomposition speed:

• Moisture content
• Oxygen availability
• Carbon to nitrogen ratio
• Particle size
• Temperature

Proper management of these factors ensures efficient composting and high-quality end products.

Green Waste vs. Brown Waste

Compost requires a balance of “green” and “brown” materials for optimal decomposition.

Green waste:

• High in nitrogen
• Provides protein for microorganisms
• Examples: grass clippings, food scraps, coffee grounds

Brown waste:

• High in carbon
• Provides energy for microorganisms
• Examples: dry leaves, straw, paper

Ideal carbon to nitrogen ratio: 25-30:1

Balancing green and brown materials ensures proper decomposition and prevents issues like odors or slow breakdown. A mix of diverse materials creates nutrient-rich compost.

Setting Up Your Composting System

Establishing a composting system in Spokane requires choosing an appropriate bin and finding the ideal location. These steps are crucial for successful composting in your backyard or home.

Choosing the Right Compost Bin

Spokane residents have several options for compost bins. Enclosed bins work well for small spaces and help control odors. Open bins or wire mesh cylinders are suitable for larger yards.

The City of Spokane offers free compost bins to residents who complete composting workshops. These bins are ideal for beginners.

For indoor composting, vermicomposting bins using worms are an excellent choice. These compact systems fit well in apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.

Consider your available space, the amount of organic waste you generate, and your composting goals when selecting a bin.

Location and Setup Tips

Choose a level, well-drained area for your compost bin. Place it in a spot that’s easily accessible year-round.

Ensure the bin has good airflow and receives some sunlight. However, avoid areas with excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this can dry out the compost.

For outdoor bins, place them directly on soil to allow beneficial organisms to enter. Lay down a base layer of twigs or straw to improve drainage.

Keep the bin away from wooden structures to prevent potential rot. Maintain a distance from neighbors’ property lines to avoid any conflicts.

Composting Materials: Dos and Don’ts

Proper selection of composting materials is crucial for successful decomposition and nutrient-rich end products. Certain items accelerate the process, while others can hinder it or attract pests.

Acceptable Organic Materials

Grass clippings are excellent for compost, providing nitrogen and breaking down quickly. Add them in thin layers to prevent clumping. Coffee grounds contribute nitrogen and improve soil structure. They can be added directly to the pile or mixed with other materials.

Food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, and tea bags are compostable. Chop larger pieces to speed decomposition. Leaves, straw, and small twigs provide carbon. Shred them for faster breakdown.

Cardboard and paper products can be composted if torn into small pieces. Avoid glossy or colored paper. Wood ash from untreated wood adds potassium, but use sparingly as it’s alkaline.

Items to Avoid in Your Compost

Meat, dairy products, and bones attract pests and can create unpleasant odors. They also break down slowly and may harbor harmful bacteria. Diseased plants should be avoided to prevent spreading pathogens to your garden.

Avoid pet waste, which can contain parasites. Chemically treated wood products, coal ash, and colored paper may introduce toxins to your compost. Oily foods can disrupt the composting process and attract pests.

Invasive weeds or plants that have gone to seed should be kept out, as they may survive the composting process and spread in your garden. Large branches decompose too slowly for most home compost systems.

Maintaining Your Compost Pile

Proper maintenance is crucial for a successful compost pile in Spokane. Regular attention to moisture levels, aeration, and temperature will ensure optimal decomposition of yard waste and kitchen scraps.

Balancing Moisture and Aeration

A well-maintained compost pile should have the moisture content of a wrung-out sponge. In Spokane’s dry climate, regular watering may be necessary. Aim for 45-60% moisture content.

To check moisture levels, squeeze a handful of compost. It should feel damp but not dripping wet. If it’s too dry, add water. If too wet, mix in dry materials like leaves or shredded paper.

Adequate aeration is essential for microbial activity. Turn the pile every 1-2 weeks using a pitchfork or compost aerator tool. This introduces oxygen, speeds decomposition, and prevents odors.

Turning and Temperature Control

Regular turning helps maintain ideal temperatures for composting. A hot pile (130-150°F) breaks down materials faster and kills weed seeds and pathogens.

Use a compost thermometer to monitor temperature. If the pile cools below 110°F, turn it to reactivate the process. In winter, insulate the pile with straw or leaves to retain heat.

For fastest results, turn the pile when its core temperature reaches 130-150°F. This typically occurs every 3-5 days in an active pile. Less frequent turning (every 1-2 weeks) still produces compost, but more slowly.

Using Worms to Enhance Composting

Vermicomposting offers an efficient way to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich humus for plants. This method harnesses the power of worms to break down organic matter quickly, producing high-quality compost for gardens and houseplants in Spokane.

Basics of Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting requires a suitable container, bedding, food scraps, and the right worms. Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are ideal for this process. To start, create a worm bin using a plastic tote with air holes. Add shredded newspaper or cardboard as bedding, moistened to the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.

Place a thin layer of soil in the bin to introduce beneficial microorganisms. Add the worms and a small amount of food scraps. Cover the scraps with bedding to prevent odors and fruit flies. Vegetable and fruit scraps work well, but avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods.

Feed the worms about once a week, burying the food in different areas of the bin each time. This encourages the worms to move throughout the container.

Caring for Composting Worms

Maintaining proper moisture and temperature is crucial for worm health. The bin should be kept at 55-77°F (13-25°C). In Spokane’s climate, indoor locations often work best year-round.

Monitor the bin’s moisture level regularly. If it’s too dry, mist with water. If too wet, add dry bedding. Ensure good air circulation to prevent anaerobic conditions.

Harvest the compost every 3-6 months. One method is to push the contents to one side of the bin and add fresh bedding and food to the empty side. The worms will migrate, allowing for easy collection of the finished compost.

Use the nutrient-rich vermicompost as a top dressing for plants or mix it into potting soil. This organic fertilizer enhances soil structure and provides essential nutrients for plant growth.

Advanced Composting Methods

Composting enthusiasts in Spokane can explore innovative techniques to enhance their soil enrichment practices. These methods offer efficient ways to create nutrient-rich amendments for gardens and plants.

Making Compost Tea

Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping finished compost in water. To create it, place a small amount of mature compost in a porous bag and submerge it in water for 24-48 hours. Aerate the mixture using an aquarium pump to promote beneficial microbe growth. Strain the liquid and dilute it before applying to plants.

Compost tea provides a quick nutrient boost to plants and improves soil health. It can be applied as a foliar spray or soil drench. The tea helps suppress plant diseases and enhances root growth. Use it within 24 hours of brewing for maximum effectiveness.

Bokashi: Fermenting Kitchen Waste

Bokashi is an anaerobic fermentation process that breaks down kitchen scraps, including meat and dairy. Start by layering food waste with Bokashi bran in an airtight container. The bran contains effective microorganisms that ferment the waste.

Keep the container sealed and drain the liquid every few days. This “Bokashi tea” can be diluted and used as a fertilizer. After 2-3 weeks, bury the fermented waste in soil or add it to a traditional compost pile.

Bokashi composting is ideal for small spaces and produces no odor when done correctly. It breaks down waste faster than traditional methods and retains more nutrients. The process is particularly useful for Spokane residents with limited outdoor space.

Harvesting and Using Compost

Harvesting compost and applying it to your garden are crucial steps in the composting process. Properly harvested compost provides nutrient-rich soil amendments that promote healthy plant growth.

When and How to Harvest Compost

Compost is ready to harvest when it’s dark brown, crumbly, and has an earthy smell. This typically takes 3-6 months, depending on materials and conditions. To test readiness, place a handful in a sealed plastic bag for 24 hours. If it doesn’t develop a strong odor, it’s ready.

Harvesting methods vary based on bin type. For tumbling bins, simply turn the finished compost into a wheelbarrow. With stationary bins, remove the top layer of unfinished materials first. Then shovel out the dark, finished compost underneath.

Screen the compost through 1/2 inch hardware cloth to remove any large chunks. These can go back into the bin to break down further.

Compost as Soil Amendment

Compost improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient content. It’s an excellent amendment for Spokane’s clay or sandy soils. Work 2-3 inches of compost into garden beds before planting. For established plants, apply a 1-inch layer around the base, avoiding direct contact with stems.

Use compost to enrich potting soil mixes. Blend 1 part compost with 3 parts commercial potting soil for container plants. As a lawn top dressing, spread a thin 1/4 inch layer over grass and rake it in.

Compost tea, made by steeping compost in water, serves as a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. Apply it to plant roots or use as a foliar spray to boost plant health.

Community and Education in Composting

Spokane offers robust composting education programs and community initiatives to promote sustainable waste management practices. These efforts aim to empower residents with knowledge and skills for successful composting.

Spokane County Programs

The Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System operates the Master Composters and Recyclers (MC/R) Program. This initiative trains volunteers to become composting experts and community educators. Participants learn advanced composting techniques, troubleshooting skills, and effective outreach methods.

The program covers various composting methods, including backyard composting, vermicomposting, and bokashi. Graduates of the MC/R Program serve as valuable resources, sharing their expertise with neighbors and community groups.

WSU Spokane County Cooperative Extension collaborates with the county to provide additional composting education. They offer workshops, demonstrations, and informational resources to support home composting efforts.

Community Outreach and Workshops

Spokane prioritizes community engagement through diverse outreach activities. The Green Zone Home Composting Demonstration site serves as a year-round educational display. It showcases different types of compost bins and various stages of decomposition.

Local organizations host regular composting workshops throughout the year. These hands-on sessions cover topics such as:

• Setting up a backyard compost system
• Proper material ratios (carbon to nitrogen)
• Troubleshooting common composting issues
• Indoor composting methods for small spaces

Community events often feature composting demonstrations and Q&A sessions with Master Composters. These interactions provide residents with personalized guidance and encouragement to start or improve their composting practices.

Environmental Impact and Waste Reduction

Composting in Spokane plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact and minimizing waste. This practice helps divert organic materials from landfills, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes sustainable waste management strategies.

Reducing Methane Emissions from Landfills

When organic waste decomposes in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting diverts this waste from landfills, significantly reducing methane emissions. In Spokane, large-scale composting facilities like BarrTech process organic materials from municipal waste services, such as the Clean Green bins. These facilities use controlled decomposition processes that minimize methane production.

Home composting also contributes to this effort. Spokane residents can compost food scraps and yard waste in their backyards or through indoor methods like vermicomposting. This practice keeps organic materials out of the waste stream, further reducing the city’s overall methane emissions.

Composting and Recycling as Waste Reduction Strategies

Composting and recycling work hand-in-hand to reduce Spokane’s waste output. The Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System promotes both practices through its Master Composters and Recyclers (MC/R) Program. This initiative educates citizens on proper composting techniques and effective recycling methods.

By composting organic waste, Spokane residents can:

• Reduce household waste by up to 30%
• Create nutrient-rich soil for gardens
• Decrease reliance on chemical fertilizers

Recycling complements these efforts by diverting non-compostable materials from landfills. Together, these strategies significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to disposal facilities, conserving resources and energy.

Local Perks of Composting in Spokane

Composting in Spokane offers significant benefits for residents and the community. It reduces waste, cuts costs, and promotes environmental health.

Reducing Garbage Costs with Curbside Composting

Spokane County residents can save money on garbage bills through curbside composting programs. The Clean Green bins service allows households to dispose of organic waste separately from regular trash.

This diversion of compostable materials reduces the volume of garbage, potentially lowering monthly fees. Residents who actively participate in composting often find they need smaller garbage bins or less frequent pickups.

The BarrTech facility west of Spokane processes municipal organic waste, turning it into valuable compost. This local processing reduces transportation costs and landfill expenses for the city.

Creating a Healthier Community

Composting contributes to a healthier Spokane by improving soil quality and reducing waste. Local gardeners benefit from nutrient-rich compost, enhancing their vegetable and flower gardens.

The Spokane Master Composters & Recyclers Program educates residents on home composting techniques. This volunteer-driven initiative promotes sustainable practices throughout Spokane County.

Composting helps reduce methane emissions from landfills, improving air quality. It also conserves water by increasing soil moisture retention in gardens and landscaped areas.

Local parks and public spaces benefit from compost use, creating greener, more vibrant community areas. This enhances the overall aesthetic and environmental health of Spokane.