1. Recycling at Home
  2. Composting & Yard Waste

Composting & Yard Waste

Due to COVID-19 and reduced staffing at our office, sales of compost bins, pails and accessories are by pre-order only. Pick up dates will be held August 19, August 29, September 10, September 26, October 10 and October 29. See the order form.

Grass clippings, tree and shrub trimmings, leaves. Rather than throwing them in the trash, yard waste and other organics can be easily composted. Consider creating a pile in your own backyard or compost via a yard waste program. 

Many of the communities in Cuyahoga County offer yard waste collection to their residents. The community may have it's own compost site, or yard waste is hauled to a private facility.  Find details for your community.

The District maintains a list of licensed compost facilities in Cuyahoga County. See the list.

Questions about backyard composting? Not sure why your pile isn't working? Contact the Solid Waste District at 216.443.3749.


WHAT IS COMPOST?

Compost consists of organic materials derived from plants and some animal material that has been decomposed largely through aerobic decomposition (with oxygen). The process of composting is simple and is practiced by individuals in their homes, farmers on their land, and by industries and cities through contracts with composting businesses.
 
Compost is rich in nutrients. It is used in gardens, landscaping, horticulture, and agriculture. The compost itself is beneficial for the land in many ways, including as a soil conditioner, a fertilizer to add vital humus or humic acids, and as a natural pesticide for soil. In ecosystems, compost is useful for erosion control, land and stream reclamation and wetland construction.



Why Compost?

Composting is a great way to keep organic material out of landfills. It's good environmental practice and an inexpensive way of adding nutrients back into the soil. 

Applying compost to soil improves its texture, structure, aeration ability and water holding capacity. It adds up to improved soil fertility and root development. Trees, flowers or vegetables will grow healthier with less chemicals or fertilizers.

Supplies needed

* Compost bin or outdoor area to compost
* Shovel
* Aeration tool such as a pitch fork or compost aerator
* Small pail to hold kitchen food scraps
* Thermometer
* Organic material such as yard waste, food scraps and shredded paper
* Compost activator or accelerator including urea, manure, or bone meal to help the compost process start quickly and efficiently.

 

Getting Started

An effective compost pile must be large enough to hold the heat in the center while still allowing air to permeate the pile. When creating a pile, maintain the size from at least 3’ x 3’ x 3’ to no larger than 5’ x 5 x 5’. Adding the same volume of materials to a purchased bin will optimize decomposition.

* Look for a level, well-drained area.
* Keep it accessible.
* Keep the pile or bin in a sunny spot to trap solar heat. If it's too hot, the compost may dry out and need water to continue decomposition.
* Shelter it near a building or landscaping that blocks wind to protect the compost pile from freezing winds.
* Build a pile over permeable soil or lawn.
* Find a spot that allows you to compost discretely, especially if you have neighboring yards close by.

Vermicomposting

Learn how you can use worms to make compost from your kitchen scraps by creating your own worm bin. View page.


LEARN more ABOUT BACKYARD COMPOSTING

The Solid Waste District holds how-to-compost seminars for county residents and sells affordable compost bins. Seminars are held in spring and fall throughout Cuyahoga County. See a list of upcoming seminars.

Compost bins and other accessories are available for purchase at the Solid Waste District, 4750 East 131 Street in Garfield Heights. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. Check or cash sales only. All sales are final. See a list of available compost bins and accessories.

The District publishes guidance documents about recycling and backyard composting:


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