Composting

• reduces energy spent on waste removal (since 1/3 of household waste is compostable)
• transforms garbage into valuable fertilizer
• eliminates most weed seeds and pathogens by heating action of composting
• converts high carbon material such as leaves and grass clippings into high quality soil conditioner
• produces NO SMELL if done properly
• is easy to do
• provides a clean, cheap source of fertilizer and soil conditioner

Any vegetable matter can be used. The ideal Carbon:Nitrogen ratio is 30:1. It is not necessary to be precise.

Mix the above substances until the ideal Carbon to Nitrogen ratio is reached (approximately).

Things to add:

• Fruit and Vegetables
• Eggshells
• Non-woody yard waste
• Hair
• Houseplants
• Sawdust (not pine or cedar)
• Tea and coffee grounds
• Shredded vegetable stems
• Grass clippings

Things to avoid adding:

• Pet droppings
• Diseased plants
• Eggs, meat, fat and oil
• Coniferous needles
• Dairy products
• Composite packaging

1. Aerobic composters (oxygen required) are standard composters that use air (need to be turned) to help them to work most efficiently. This type is commonly made from recycled lumber.
   
   
2. Anaerobic composters (no oxygen required) do not need to be turned. All you do is add organic materials and let them sit. They're the easiest way to compost and are made from used vehicle tires.
   
   
3. Vermicomposters use worms to turn the compost into fertilizers. They're the most efficient and the fastest way to compost.

To order: Contact Recycling with Centra Cam Depot at 672-9973 and the composter will be constructed for you.

In addition to the composters which are available for purchase from Centra Cam Vocational Training Association, residents may take their grass clippings and dead leaves to the Recycling Depot for composting. The leaves and clippings are transferred to the main compost compound located at the landfill. This is a free service for City residents. Please do not drop off tree branches at the compost compound, as they interfere with the machinery used to manage the compound.

Nearby County residents can take all of their compostable materials directly to the compost compound located at the Sanitary Landfill. There is an area specifically designated for compost materials.

Each spring the City of Camrose and Centra Cam host Composting Workshops. For a nominal fee you can learn how to compost in your home using the three methods described above. After taking the evening workshop, you are given your choice of one of the three different composters free! Call Recycle with Centra Cam Depot at 679-4196.

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