North Somerset Logo

Get started

Getting started with home composting is really easy, follow our simple steps and you will soon have your own compost.

Get a bin!

There are a few options with the type of bin you can buy.

We sell a traditional 330L compost bin with a caddy at a discounted price.

You could try a wormery as practical alternative to a compost bin, especially if you have limited space and produce small amounts of waste.

You may also consider buying a compost tumbler. They are quicker at creating compost and you can include cooked food waste too.

The right place.

Make sure you put you bin in the right place.

The right mix

Fill your kitchen caddy or container with everything from vegetable and fruit peelings to teabags, toilet roll tubes, cereal boxes and eggshells. Take care not to compost cooked food, meat or fish.

Make sure you have the right mix of brown and green material.

Keep adding and be patient.

It takes between nine and twelve months for your compost to become ready for use. Sit back and let nature do the work. Don't forget to keep on adding greens and browns to top up your compost.

Ready for use

Once your compost has turned into a crumbly, dark material, resembling thick, moist soil and gives off an earthy, fresh aroma, you know it's ready to use.

Lift the bin slightly or open the hatch at the bottom and scoop out the fresh compost with a garden fork, spade or trowel.

Don't worry if your compost looks a little lumpy with twigs and bits of eggshell - this is perfectly normal. Use it to enrich borders and vegetable patches, plant up patio containers or feed the lawn.

For more information on how to use compost visit the recycle now website.