Composting
Presenter: Kim Syrus
Putting out the green waste bin is a regular job. We fill it with clippings, leaves and weeds, but where does it all go and more importantly what happens to it - with International Composting Awareness Week starting on the 6th of May, Kim thought now would be a great time to find out.
After our bins are emptied, the green waste eventually finds its way to large composting facilities, run by either Peats Soil based in Willunga, Jefferies at Buckland Park or Van Shaik at Mount Gambier.
If you are into big machines then you have come to the right place. Huge loaders pile fresh waste into long tall lines, known as windrows. Chemical reactions begin inside these piles, creating heat and encourage microbes to start breaking down all the organic matter.
The temperature inside each heap is carefully monitored and the windrow turned regularly, keeping the microbes happy and killing off any problem weed seeds.
It takes around 10 to 12 weeks to turn green waste into beautiful brown compost but it is still a little bulky so it needs to go through another process which involves some more monster machines.
The excavator feeds mountains of compost into a hopper where it is crushed and milled. A conveyor then moves these pulverized pieces through a special tumbler that screens and sorts everything into different sizes.
The fine grade is used in potting mixes and soil conditioners. The course material is used as fantastic mulch in home gardens, orchards and vineyards. It is always a good idea to wear gloves when working with compost whether it bought or home made.
Contamination is a real problem - bottles, cans, plastic bags and plenty more are carelessly put into the green waste bins at home but end up a big problem here. About a third of all composted green waste has to be stockpiled because of these contaminants, unable to be used until these are removed - a timely and costly process.
Our green waste bins are making a huge difference to the environment. Just remember, only organic material belongs in the bin.
International Composting Awareness Week
6th - 12th May
Peats Soil & Garden Supplies
PO Box 66, Aldinga Road,
Willunga, 5172 South Australia
Ph: (08) 8556 5295
Fax: (08) 8557 7550
Putting out the green waste bin is a regular job. We fill it with clippings, leaves and weeds, but where does it all go and more importantly what happens to it - with International Composting Awareness Week starting on the 6th of May, Kim thought now would be a great time to find out.
After our bins are emptied, the green waste eventually finds its way to large composting facilities, run by either Peats Soil based in Willunga, Jefferies at Buckland Park or Van Shaik at Mount Gambier.
If you are into big machines then you have come to the right place. Huge loaders pile fresh waste into long tall lines, known as windrows. Chemical reactions begin inside these piles, creating heat and encourage microbes to start breaking down all the organic matter.
The temperature inside each heap is carefully monitored and the windrow turned regularly, keeping the microbes happy and killing off any problem weed seeds.
It takes around 10 to 12 weeks to turn green waste into beautiful brown compost but it is still a little bulky so it needs to go through another process which involves some more monster machines.
The excavator feeds mountains of compost into a hopper where it is crushed and milled. A conveyor then moves these pulverized pieces through a special tumbler that screens and sorts everything into different sizes.
The fine grade is used in potting mixes and soil conditioners. The course material is used as fantastic mulch in home gardens, orchards and vineyards. It is always a good idea to wear gloves when working with compost whether it bought or home made.
Contamination is a real problem - bottles, cans, plastic bags and plenty more are carelessly put into the green waste bins at home but end up a big problem here. About a third of all composted green waste has to be stockpiled because of these contaminants, unable to be used until these are removed - a timely and costly process.
Our green waste bins are making a huge difference to the environment. Just remember, only organic material belongs in the bin.
International Composting Awareness Week
6th - 12th May
Peats Soil & Garden Supplies
PO Box 66, Aldinga Road,
Willunga, 5172 South Australia
Ph: (08) 8556 5295
Fax: (08) 8557 7550
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