Recycle, reuse, compost questions...

[shade2u2]

In an effort to be more ecology friendly, make fertilizer from compost (even raise a worm or 2 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ), and maybe save a couple $ a year, I am trying to recycle & reuse (compost) our refuse. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Here’s what I expect to do:
- Accumulate and take glass, aluminum cans, & plastics to recycle depot that is 5-10 miles from home.
- Burn paper products (I know should be recycled too, but at least it won’t go to the landfill & I can use it to start our woodburner)
- Plantlike scraps into a compost system that I’ve been designing in my head. (Including veggies, fruit peels, coffee grounds, etc)
- BONES, FATS, MEATS, CHEESES, EGGS, PASTA?, etc… Where can this stuff go? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
It shouldn’t go into compost system – right? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
This is my main question?

Any other ideas from the TBN experts out there? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Varmintmist]

All of that stuff except for the bones can go into the compost. It'll rot. You may get some critters who are hungry, so if you have bears, I wouldnt.

 

[shade2u2]

On the compost subject, I’d like to process scraps for use as fertilizer in the flower bed or garden. I’m thinking about making a compost bin from a stainless steel container (approx. 16”X40” with drain valve) we have. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Kind of like these: Worm Composting
I’ve gotten the impression that meat, bone, cheese, etc should not be in compost for fertilizer use… only more “green” things. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
An idea that I have for starting the process (that my wife really dislikes) is to use our old unused blender to chop/mix up the scraps initially, and then put them in to the outdoor compost bin later. The blender's glass container could possibly be the in house garbage receptacle… maybe keep it in the refrigerator even to minimize germs/smells. Am I crazy or what? /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[reb]

I give the chickens first try at most of the garbage, then route it to the compost, along with the chickens' contribution. My dog takes care of the heavy bones. The light bones (chicken and turkey) go to the compost to be broken in the shredding process. Everything is put in a pile covered with manure and dirt until I can shred it and start the compost pile. I shred it, along with any dried vegetation (leaves, garden plants, etc) and mix it with manure, soil, old compost, and water. Then I pile it, ventilate the piles and let it cook for a while, then mix it and let it cook some more. It is usually ready for the garden in spring.
I used to have a shredder, which worked great. Now I use the rotary cutter. It isn't quite as effective.

 

[Glenn9643]

"- Burn paper products (I know should be recycled too, but at least it won’t go to the landfill & I can use it to start our woodburner)"
Instead of burning the paper it can generally be composted too. It'll decay faster and be easier to mix in if you can shred it. Paper is considered a "brown", similar to leaves, straw, or
wood chips in a compost pile. You'll need some of these "browns" mixed in with your "greens" or high-nitrogen items to keep the pile from stinking and provide carbon.

"- Plantlike scraps into a compost system that I’ve been designing in my head. (Including veggies, fruit peels, coffee grounds, etc)"
These items are considered "greens". You can also add grass clippings, garden trimmings, any plants removed from the garden areas for the fall into this category.

"- BONES, FATS, MEATS, CHEESES, EGGS, PASTA?, etc… Where can this stuff go?"
The bones will probably take forever and a day to decay, but would be great if you could grind them. Meat products, fats, etc. may attract varmints into your pile.

"I’m thinking about making a compost bin from a stainless steel container"
There are many thoughts about how to build a compost bin, and many prefabs on the market. Depending on your situation you might consider just making a pile in an out of the way place. My compost piles are about 12-15 yards each and I turn them occasionally with my FEL. The larger volume enhances the buildup of heat within the pile which in turn improves the decomposition process, and if the temperature is maintained above 140f for a few days it will kill any weed seedsor plant pathogens in the pile.

"An idea that I have for starting the process (that my wife really dislikes) is to use our old unused blender to chop/mix up the scraps initially, and then put them in to the outdoor compost bin later. The blender's glass container could possibly be the in house garbage receptacle maybe keep it in the refrigerator even to minimize germs/smells."
We don't chop or mix our household scraps with a blender, but we do store it in a large plastic pitcher with a top that seals tightly. These pitchers hold about two gallons and when one is filled it goes into the compost pile. While it's being filled we keep it in the cabinet under the sink. Absolutely no smell when closed, and it seems that the wife's banana peels in there mask the scent of anything else when we open it to add to it.

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