How to turn compost in a plastic bin

How to turn compost in a plastic bin. If you employ a plastic bin for your compost, then it is necessary to turn it in from time to time.

How to turn compost in a plastic bin
How to turn compost in a plastic bin

We are here with a handy method that will help you turn the compost in the plastic bin.

Let’s get started 

Turning the Compost in a Plastic Bin

Requirements

  • Hand gloves
  • Facemask
  • Garden fork or rake
  • Watering cans
  • Fine nozzles
  • Water

Procedure

  • Start the process by applying safety measures.
  • Put on gloves and a mask to keep yourself safe from the raw smell of compost.
  • Locate the plastic bin and then open it gently.
  • After opening, use the fork or any useful gadget to insert it in the compost bin.
  • Lift the bottom compost and place it on the top. 
  • Make sure the recently added matter should go down to the bottom.
  • In this way, you create space for the recent matter to get the desired air and heat for decomposition. 

Time required

You need to turn the compost at least two times per week. Select the week starting and middle days.

Maintenance of the Compost Bin

  • Aerate the bin twice weekly
  • Provide a quick shake every day
  • If you observe highly wet or smelly matter, add some brown matter. It will dry out the compost wet contents.
  • Maintain the ratio between the green and brown matter in the compost bin.
  • The same is the case for dry contents. The addition of some of the green matter will moisten the dry contents of the compost.
  • You can spray water over the dry contents to make them moist. 

Compost Composition

There are two prime components of compost include;

  • Brown organic matters
  • Green organic matters. 

The uneven distribution of brown and green organic matter will affect the quality of the compost formed.

Green Materials for Compost

Features

  • It has a high moisture content
  • Rich in nitrogen
  • Quick to rot 

Green matter

  • Leaves and bags
  • Fallen flowers
  • Grass clippings
  • Soft garden pruning
  • Old houseplants/bedding plants
  • Rhubarb leaves
  • Natural wool
  • Annual weeds
  • Nettles
  • Veg peelings
  • Banana skins
  • Fruit peel 
  • Fruit pulp
  • Coffee grounds
  • Tea
  • Cotton fibers

Brown Materials for Compost

Brown Materials for Compost

Features

  • Rich in carbon
  • Slow to rot
  • High fiber content

Brown Matter

  • Chips
  • Dead plant stems
  • Animal hair
  • Straw
  • Wood ash
  • Crushed eggshells
  • Vacuum cleaner contents
  • Dry leaves
  • Shredded cardboard 
  • Paper
  • Egg boxes
  • Shredded hedge trimmings 
  • Wood

Reasons to Turn Compost Bins

There are various reasons to turn Compost plastic. It includes;

  • It increases the air circulation in and out of the compost. Air is necessary for the microbes to carry out the decomposition reaction. Proper air change will enhance the decomposition process.
  • Another advantage of turning the compost is, it increases the amount of heat in the plastic bin. The heat is high at the bottom.
  • By turning the compost, you’ll get the final product evenly composted.
  • The compost bin is filled from time to time, so turning it will allow the recent waste to get decomposed by the microbe. After turning, the fresh compost will also suffer heat changes and will quickly rot.

Things to Be Avoided In Compost

  • Wood
  • Cat litter
  • Glossy magazine paper
  • Weed seeds
  • Coal ash
  • Cat litter
  • Glossy magazine paper
  • Weed seeds
  • Meat and fish scraps
  • Dairy products
  • Bread

Conclusion

If you employ a plastic bin for your compost, then it is necessary to turn it in from time to time. We are here with a handy method that will help you to turn the compost in the plastic bin.

It increases the air circulation in and out of the compost. Air is necessary for the microbes to carry out the decomposition reaction. Proper air change will enhance the decomposition process. 

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