Biowaste

Starting from December 31, 2023, in all of Latvia, waste separation and recycling will also include organic waste. According to the 2024 study "Determining the Composition of Household Waste," organic waste makes up about 27% of unsorted household waste in Latvia. Considering that organic waste constitutes such a significant portion of unsorted household waste, this article provides recommendations for starting home composting.

By starting home composting, it is possible to dispose of organic waste while also reducing the volume of household waste and overall waste management costs. Additionally, compost is a valuable soil enhancer for both garden plants and houseplants.

The recommendations in this article apply to households in private houses or, in some cases, apartment building households. It should be ensured that compost is inaccessible to passersby, not publicly accessible, and does not disturb the residents of nearby houses.

Where to compost?

The first step is to choose a location for composting. The selection of an appropriate composting site is important because the formation of quality compost depends on air circulation, compost breakdown, and adequate moisture. It is undesirable for rodents and other animals to have access to the composting site, so it is essential to evaluate whether to create a compost pile, build a compost bin at home, or purchase one of the ready-made compost bins offered by retailers.

When creating a compost pile or placing a compost bin in the yard, it is important to ensure that air exchange is provided. For example, the pile should not be covered with plastic for extended periods, and it should be located in the shade so that it does not dry out and receives necessary moisture from rainwater.

A compost pile is often visually unappealing. An inconspicuous compost can be created in a composting bin. This can be made at home, for example, from reused wooden materials, or you can buy a ready-made container. When making a container at home, it is recommended to avoid using pressure-treated wood, as it may have a negative environmental impact. The size of the container should be appropriate for the planned amount of organic waste for the composting season. The compost should be moist, but if liquids are leaking from the bottom of the bin, it is too wet. To prevent rodents from settling in the composting bins, it is recommended to line the bottom with a metal mesh or place the bin on a solid base that will not rot over time. Read here (page 8).

A visually appealing, practical, and innovative solution is offered by Grēta Girvaite in her research work "GALA Garden." It is a compost bin with a compost box at the bottom, and above it, on a metal mesh, is a garden. In the center of the garden, there is a hatch for daily disposal of organic waste.

How to compost?

Once the composting site has been created, place fine, dry wood branches to improve air circulation. To achieve the best possible result, compost should be built in layers – green garden waste (weeds, mowed grass), brown garden waste (dry leaves, straw, small branches), food waste, small tree branches. Layering compost ensures better air circulation and the necessary moisture.

An important prerequisite for compost formation is air circulation. A special compost bin, purchased from a retailer, has the advantage of ventilation. To prevent the compost from compacting, it is recommended to occasionally turn the top layer. During dry weather, composting will be more successful if the compost is watered. It should be noted that the composting process will not occur during the winter season.

What can be composted?

Compost can include both food waste, such as fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, tea and coffee grounds, as well as lawn clippings, weeds, wilted flowers, approximately 5cm long twigs/stems, and other organic waste.

What should not be composted?

You should not compost oil, animal bones, and other animal-derived products or medications, as they break down too slowly or contain hazardous substances. Also, branches from thuja and similar trees should not be placed in compost, as thuja leaves and branches are particularly resistant to moisture, and the essential oils released by thuja negatively affect the activity of composting microorganisms. These organic products will cause contamination in the compost. The quality of the compost will also be reduced by paper and napkins containing various dyes, varnishes, and other chemicals added during the paper manufacturing process. Both paper and any other type of waste (including bioplastics) should be disposed of in the separately collected waste or household waste container. For a more comprehensive list of what can and cannot be composted, as well as how to create compost, read here.

When will the compost be ready?

If all the conditions are followed when preparing the compost, it will be ready in about 2-3 months. Signs of ready compost – it smells like soil, it is crumbly and homogeneous.

Where to use compost?

To use compost as efficiently as possible, it should be incorporated into the soil to a depth of 5-15 cm, where most plant roots and active microorganisms are found. If compost is left on the surface of the soil, it will dry out and lose biological activity, but incorporating it too deeply into the soil will hinder its decomposition due to lack of oxygen. Plants cannot be overfed with compost, so the more, the better. The average compost dose is 15-20 liters per square meter, but the exact amount depends on the soil type.

In the fall, partially decomposed compost can be incorporated into the garden or around fruit trees and berry bushes at least one month before sowing or planting to allow it to fully decompose. Compost can also be covered with mulch to retain necessary moisture and promote the decomposition process.

Fully decomposed compost is a valuable source of nutrients and can be used in the spring before sowing or planting. It can also be incorporated around plants during the growing season to provide additional feeding. Regular use of compost improves soil structure, helps retain moisture, makes plants more resistant to diseases and adverse conditions, and increases yield. To maintain soil fertility, it is recommended to incorporate compost annually.

Other practical tips

To collect food scraps in the kitchen, a small container with a closed lid can be used, which is emptied as needed. To ensure no odors in the kitchen, the container should be washed after each emptying.

The sorting of organic waste in Latvia is a relatively new practice, so there are still many challenges, and both residents and municipalities are looking for the most convenient solutions for reducing and recycling organic waste.