Composting at home is possible!

Even today, some 30% of all incinerated waste is organic, consisting of 90% water; throwing this in the bin simply doesn’t make sense. We will show you that it is possible to recycle organic waste at home and that this helps reduce both your waste and your ecological footprint.

The aim is to transform organic waste into natural fertiliser using a composter and just a dash of know-how. Organic matter decomposes naturally, and we will help you turn this phenomenon to your advantage in order to produce nutrient-rich humus for your plants. So how do you make compost at home?

There are several solutions:

Vermicomposting

This type of composter can be either purchased or made. Numerous tutorials are available online. The principle is to adopt a colony of earthworms which specialise in decomposing organic waste and installing them in a multi-level container. A number of websites and stores sell worms and specific composters.

A micro-ecosystem will develop in the composter, generating humus and fertilising juice which can be collected at the bottom of the installation. The worms need to live in a calm, preferably dark environment at a constant temperature of less than 25°C – a cellar is ideal. They do not like meat products or plants in the onion family (garlic, onion, leek).

Some useful addresses to begin vermicomposting:

• Lombritonus website
• Plus 2 vers website

A composter in the garden

If you are lucky enough to have a garden, you can also install a composter where you can dispose of your plant-based organic waste. This will decompose naturally in your garden. Animal-based products should not be emptied into the composter and should be disposed of in the little green bin available free of charge in the City of Geneva. To accelerate decomposition, the waste must be turned on a regular basis in order to oxygenate it and regulate moisture levels using dry matter such as wood chips or grass cuttings. The compost will be ready for use after 6 – 12 months.

• State of Geneva website: Composting your garden – a practical guide

Collective compost

Some buildings are equipped with large-scale collective composters outside the building. The process works as follows: the matter decomposes naturally and you simply need to ensure that it is oxygenated (turned) and that the moisture is regulated. For the composting process to work correctly, it is important for inhabitants to follow the composting procedure and to designate a person responsible for the installation. Qualified master composters can help you initiate this type of project for your apartment building. You must always notify the owner of your building or the plot of land intended for your project.

• Proxicompost website: composting at the bottom of your apartment building