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Army Green is Army Strong Composting Tips Branches and other debris should be chipped before being added to a compost bin to accelerate decomposition. If a large quantity of chipped wood is added to the compost, add a small amount of fertilizer to increase the level of nitrogen. Chopping large material into smaller pieces, keeping the pile moist, and frequently turning the pile can speed up the composting process. The compost pile should begin cooking once it is established and should feel warm to the touch. A carefully maintained compost pile can turn waste into compost in as little as four to six weeks. What Can and Can't Be Composted? Most organic materials are acceptable for use as compost, including grass clippings, leaves, coffee grounds and filters, shredded woody yard waste and sawdust, wool and cotton rags, and manure from herbivorous animals, such as cows, horses, sheep and chickens. Many foods can be composted as well, but meats, grease and dairy products should be omitted because they cause odors and attract pests. Non-organic materials, such as styrofoam, metal, plastic, and charcoal or coal ashes are not suitable for composting. Other materials that should not be composted are diseased plants, food waste that may attract pests, noxious weeds, and pet wastes, which may contain disease. The Only Option for Yard Waste According to the EPA, Americans generated about 251 million tons of trash and recycled and composted almost 87 million tons of this material. Reducing our waste is important a we are rapidly filling our nation's landfills, and new sites are difficult to create because of environmental requirements and community objections. Currently there are 23 states that ban some fashion of organics disposal in landfills, mostly leaves, grass and other yard debris. Composting in your backyard recycles wastes that might otherwise go to landfills. SYMPTOMS Bad Odor Dry center Damp and Warm Damp, sweet-smelling but not warm PROBLEM Not enough air Not enough water Pile is too small Lack of nitrogen SOLUTION Turn the pile Add water while turning the pile Add more material to center of pile Mix in a nitrogen source (wet, green material) Visit us on the web: http://aec.army.mil

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