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1. What is backyard composting?

Backyard composting is the sustainable use of resources. It takes household scraps and yard waste and turns it into an ecologically friendly soil amendment.

2. How is compost made?

Composting is the process of converting organic material such as moist food scraps, shredded paper, leaves, grass clippings, wood chips and coffee grounds into rich, organic humus - the gardener’s “black gold.” When moist organic resources are brought together they are converted into a microbe rich soil amendment called compost, which is beneficial to growing plants. The materials are first broken down by the smallest microorganisms such as bacteria, mites and fungi, and later by larger organisms such as earthworms, sow bugs and millipedes.

3. What do I need for backyard composting?

Find a comprehensive answer to this question.

4. What are some uses of compost?

Compost contains nutrients, but is not a substitute for fertilizers. Soils amended with compost are more capable of holding nutrients in the soil until plants have a need for them, and most often less fertilizer is needed to grow plants. Compost loosens and aerates clay soils and helps to retain water in sandy soils.

• Soil amending: Mix soils with up to 25% compost. Add two inches to the top six inches of soil each year before planting.
• Mulch: Apply two inches to the surface of soil each year to reduce weeds and water needs.
• Potting blend: Add up to 20% mature compost to container soil.
• Tea: Use one cup of excellent quality compost for every five gallons of tea brewed.

5. Does adding bread and other food scraps to my compost draw rats?

Rats are naturally attracted to a compost bin for its food source and for potential habitat. Composting should be done in a rodent proof structure. Turn your compost regularly to ensure critters don’t take up residence. Add sufficient nitrogen to keep the compost hot. This will break down food scraps quickly making them less attractive to rodents.

6. Can I compost my dog manure?

Dogs and cats are not herbivores like cows, horses and goats. Manure from omnivorous animals may carry harmful parasites that can cause disease in people. It is best bury this material in a hole in your backyard 12 inches deep, covered with 6 inches of soil, in a non-food growing area of the yard. This material is also NOT allowed in the food waste/yard debris bin.

7. Is compost with food waste better than yard waste only compost?

Compost containing food waste can be higher in nutrients because food scraps are often higher in nitrogen than yard waste only compost.  

Beginning October 1, 2019, customers who have residential garbage service will have the option to put food waste in their yard debris bin instead of in the garbage. This citywide program comes after a successful three-year residential curbside food waste collection pilot program that included 1,500 households in four Eugene neighborhoods. The mixed food waste and yard debris will be turned into nutrient-rich compost by local processors. And because these organics will be commercially composted, you can include food waste items that you would not want to put in your home compost, such as meat and bones. For more information, please contact 541-682-5655 or check out our Residential Food Waste Collection page.

8. Is compost made from worms better than a hot thermal compost?

Both types of compost add to the quality of soils. Worm compost, often called vermicompost is considered the “king” of compost because it typically has a very high beneficial microbe count. These microbes work wonders on the soil and a little bit of vermicompost goes a long way. Typically, only 10 percent vermicompost mixed in with potting soil is needed to see a marked increase in vegetable yields.

9. Will my compost ever get too hot and cause a fire?

Most compost areas will only reach temperatures of around 90 - 140 degrees with some warmer composts reaching up to 160 degrees. It is not recommended that compost temperatures rise above 160 degrees as this may cause some of the bacteria to die. Generally, backyard compost bins are not large enough to catch fire unless something, such as smoldering briquettes, are added to ignite a flame. Never add smoldering briquettes or other potential fire starters. Larger commercial size piles of compost can dry out and become a fire hazard if the temperature gets too hot.

10. Where can I get more information about composting?

For more information about backyard composting, contact OSU Extension Service Compost Specialists, or attend a free compost education demo.