Composting is nature's method of turning organic materials into a rich soil-like substance through the process of decomposition.  Composting at home is easy and provides you with a valuable product for your gardens and flower beds.  It's a great way to deal with organic materials like grass clippings, leaves, brush, food waste and paper.

Composting Do's and Don'ts.

We don't have the room to tell you everything you need to know about composting here.   Feel free to drop by and check out materials such as Backyard Composting; Your Complete Guide to Recycling Yard Clippings from our library or your local public library.   You can also contact us at the District for more information or contact your local extension agent.  There are also some good resources on the web for composting information.

Click here for links to composting sites on the World Wide Web

As a starter, here's a few do's and don'ts for backyard composting

Do keep a mixture of green (high-nitrogen) and brown (high-carbon) materials in your compost pile.  Green materials are things like grass clippings, kitchen wastes and fresh plant cuttings.   Brown materials are things like leaves, shredded paper and dried up plant cuttings.

Don't put meat, fish, bones, dairy products, pet poop or greasy materials in your backyard compost pile.  They are difficult to compost, smell bad and attract animals.

Do keep your compost pile moist but don't let it stay soaking wet.  The microorganisms eating the material like some moisture but too much water can drown them.

Don't let your compost pile sit without turning it.  You should mix up your compost pile about once a week.   This gets oxygen to the organisms and keeps the heat evenly distributed.

Do use your compost in your houseplants, flower beds and gardens to help improve your soil.

Don't spend a lot of money needlessly on an expensive compost bin.  Some of them are very nice if you can afford them.   But you can make a very nice compost bin yourself for very little money.

If you want to learn more about home composting, drop by the Compost Demonstration Site at the Washington County Extension Office in Fayetteville.  A number of backyard composters are on display and information about them and composting in general is available.  You can also contact the District at (888) 426-9278 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What if I can't compost at home?

There are a few locations that are permitted to accept yard waste where you can take grass, leaves and tree trimmings for composting.  .Please call these facilities to determine if there are any charges involved.  They are also great locations to purchase finished compost or ground wood for mulch.  In addition, some communities offer yard waste pick up services.  Call the District for more information.

• City of Fayetteville Compost Facility
  1560 S. Happy Hollow Road  
  (479)575-8398
  
  
• Waste Management Composting Site
  18633 Stutts, Tontitown, AR
  (479) 361-2069
  
  
• Madison County                                          
  (takes tree trimmings only)
  Route 6, Box 105, Huntsville
  (479) 738-6351

What about agricultural wastes?

EarthCare Technologies, Inc. operates an agricultural composting facility outside of Lincoln, Arkansas.  They are permitted by the Livestock and Poultry Commission to compost agricultural waste, including dead animals.  Their facility is particularly useful for disposing of dead poultry and other poultry related wastes.  It's a great way to turn a waste material into a highly useful product.  Give them a call at (479) 824-5511.