Composting

Composting at home could reduce the amount of rubbish you throw away by approximately 30%.   The compost you make can then go back on to your flower beds and vegetable patch to improve the quality of the soil and help the plants to grow.

What is compost?

Compost is a dark brown nutrient rich soil that is made as a result of the natural breakdown of organic materials such as fruit and vegetable peelings, grass cuttings and plant prunings. These organic materials are broken down into smaller pieces by the bacteria, insects and animals which live in the soil.

What are the benefits of composting?

• Compost is a 'free' feed and soil conditioner for your garden. It improves the soil's structure, texture, and aeration whilst increasing the soil's water-holding capacity.
• It is very easy to make and could be ready in just six months.
• Composting your kitchen and garden waste helps to reduce the amount you throw away which means less rubbish would be sent to landfill sites that are rapidly running out of space.

What can i compost?

Like any recipe, your compost relies on the right ingredients to make it work. Good things you can compost include vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags, plant prunings and grass cuttings. These are considered "Greens" and are quick to rot, providing important nitrogen and moisture.

You can also compost cardboard egg boxes, scrunched up or shredded paper, and fallen leaves which are considered "Browns" and are slower to rot. They provide fibre and carbon whilst allowing important air pockets to form in the mixture. Crushed eggshells can also be included to add useful minerals.

What can't I compost?

Certain things should never be placed in your bin such as cooked vegetables, meat, dairy products, diseased plants, and definitely not any dog poo, cat litter, or baby's nappies. These would encourage unwanted pests and they can also create odour. Another thing to avoid putting in your compost bin is perennial weeds, such as dandelions and thistles, or weeds with seed heads.

Please remember that your glass bottles and jars, and food/drinks cans should go in your green recycling box, and all your paper, card and cut down cardboard should go in your blue bag. Other items such as plastics and metals are also not suitable for composting and should be recycled separately if at all possible. Please visit the bank site list for information on Tandridge District Council's recycling services or Surrey Waste Management's list of items accepted at their Community Recycling Centres.

Where can i buy a compost bin?

Recycle Now and WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) are offering a choice of three compost bins at subsidised rates starting from just £12 including delivery!

You can order your bin, and any accessories such as a kitchen caddy, online at Recycle Now, by calling 0845 077 0757, or by downloading the order form.

Compost Converter 220 litres only £12.00	Compost Converter 330 litres only £15.00	Komp 250 litre only £35	5lt silver caddy only £4.00
Made from black 100% recycled material this compost bin has a sliding hatch for easy access to your finished compost. No assembly required. Height 90cm (35"), diameter 74cm (29").	Made from black 100% recycled material this compost bin has a sliding hatch for easy access to your finished compost. No assembly required. Height 100cm (39"), diameter 80cm (31")	This square shaped, green compost bin is easy to assemble without any tools and provides easy access to the finished compost on all 4 sides. Made from 100% recycled material. 54cm (21") x 54cm (21") x H105cm (41")	To qualify for a discounted caddy at least one compost bin must be ordered. One discounted caddy per household.

How can I find out more information?

If you would like a more comprehensive list of what you can and can't put in your compost bin, or for more help troubleshooting then please visit the Recycle Now website.