Did you know you could get Free Composting Bins from the Town of Gilbert, AZ, if you are a resident. I suggest to all of my clients who purchase homes in Gilbert, AZ to consider getting their Free Composting Bins from the Town of Gilbert, AZ.
I have been a Gilbert, AZ resident for over 11 years now and have been composting for the last 5 or 6 years; ever since I found out they will provide you one of the models above for FREE. This both reduces the amount of trash we generate for the city to pick up and charge residents for and is a great source of nutrients for the small vebetable gardens we plant around our house.
How do you get your Free Composting Bin from the Town of Gilbert? Below you can see some Potatoes, Carrots, Radishes, Various leave lettuce and behind the hose are some strawberries. Yes strawberries, even here in the desert.
It is very easy for residents of Gilbert, AZ. You just out an on-line request for compost bin or call Gilbert Public Works at (480) 503-6400 to have a free composting bin delivered to your home.
What can I actually compost?
Mary Owens has a list of 163 things you can compost: http://www.plantea.com/compost-materials.htm
The Town of Gilbert suggests:
Carbon-RichNitrogen-Rich
| (Brown and Dry) | (Green and moist) |
|
Straw |
Cactus |
|
Sawdust |
Wet grass clippings |
|
Pine Needles |
Fresh plant clippings |
|
Small branches |
Vegetable and fruit waste |
|
Drier lint |
Barnyard manures and beddings |
| Dry grass clippings | Spoiled food |
| Dried plant materials | Tea bags and coffee grounds |
| Hair, Fur, and feathers |
What Can't I compost?
Composting Instuctions.com suggests not to compost:
Details
| Ashes (coal or charcoal) |
n/a
|
May contain materials that are toxic to plants. |
| Cat droppings/litter |
n/a
|
These may contain disease organisms and should always be avoided for composting. |
| Colored paper | ||
| Dog droppings |
n/a
|
Same as cats. |
| Lime |
n/a
|
Acidity can kill composting action. |
| Meat, fat, grease, oils, bones |
n/a
|
Do not break down, can coat materials and “preserve” them, can attract pests. |
| Nonbiodegradable materials | ||
| Toxic materials |
The also suggest some items that may be composted, but only with "caution and skill"
Materials C/N Details
| Bird droppings |
Nitrogen
|
Some bird droppings may contain disease or weed seeds |
| Diseased Plants |
Nitrogen
|
Make sure your pile gets to at least 135 degrees Fahrenheit for a few days to let it “therma kill” the disease |
| Milk, yogurt, cheese |
Neutral
|
May attract pests, so put it in the middle to deep into the pile |
| Weeds |
Nitrogen
|
For best results, dry them out until crunchy, then add them to your compost pile |
| Sod |
Nitrogen
|
Like diseased plants, make sure your pile gets hot enough to make sure the grass doesn’t keep growing in your pile. |
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