By Liz Gordon-Hancock
This is Part One of a two-part series on composting

Now that the leaves are starting to fall, you can do something other than rake them up, and throw them away: compost them.

Composting is a natural process the breaks down organic materials, such as vegetable scraps or leaves, into nutrient-rich soil.

Composting is just another form of recycling. Food scraps, such as coffee grounds or apple cores, are recyclable, in that they are capable of biodegrading. These are often called kitchen waste. However, according to Republic Services, this kitchen waste does not belong in your curbside recycle bin. Instead, these can be composted, along with your grass clippings, hedge trimmings and leaves.

So how does composting work?

The Icon caught up with local composters, Wendy Chappell-Dick and Sally Weaver Sommer, who recently led a discussion on composting for the Transition Bluffton group.

Chappell-Dick focused on the practical side of making a compost pile and balancing the amount of brown stuff, such as fruit waste or twigs, versus green stuff, such as grass clippings and vegetable scraps that are needed in your compost pile. (See picture)

So how do I make a compost pile?

There are many styles of compost piles. The simplest one is to simply put your food scraps in a pile on the ground, and mix in leaves and other natural materials. It takes between three to twelve months for composted materials to decompose.

What about location? Is there anywhere in particular I should place it?

Compost will break down in any location. However, heat helps it to break down faster, so putting it in the sun will speed the process.

Does it matter whether it's in a lidded container or a fenced-in heap?

The reason people put a lid on compost is to try to keep animals out of it, and to try to contain the smell. However, if you have a fence and you avoid meat products, animals shouldn't be a problem. If you include the right ratio of "brown" stuff (see picture), the smell of your open compost should not be too strong.

Why can't I put all my kitchen scraps, such as orange peel or chicken bones, on my compost pile?

If you put those things into your compost pile, the compost will still break down. However, for informal home composting, chicken bones are not a good idea because they may attract animals, smell bad and carry bacteria. Orange peel in large amounts have an anti-bacterial effect, and bacteria is needed for compost to break down effectively. I don't hesitate to put orange peels into my compost, but I don't have huge amounts of them.

What are the negatives of having a compost pile in your yard? For example, is my compost pile going to attract bugs to my yard?

I think the worst thing that can happen with a compost pile is if you put out food scrapes without adding leaves or mulch or brown material. It will be slimy and smelly and gross! However, if you commit to adding the dry bulk your compost needs, there should not be a problem with smell or pests.

How long have you had a compost pile?

My parents always had a compost pile when I was growing up, so I don't remember ever not having one.

Any top tips on managing your compost pile?

Always keep in mind that brown and green matter should be equal by weight not volume. (Refer to picture) Since brown stuff is often light and fluffy it will seem like you need way more of it than you do of the food scraps, which are mostly green. Your compost will go much better with lots of leaves or mulch mixed in. This fall, keep a few large plastic bags of leaves near your compost heap and throw a bucket or two in regularly. Works like a charm, even as the fall leaves break down inside the plastic.

The bottom line is that all compost piles (and any natural substance) will compost. It's just a matter of how long you're willing to wait, and what stink you're willing to endure. Cutting down wait time and stink is where the "art" of composting comes in.

What are the benefits of composting?

Personally, I love seeing a reduction in the trash our family produces, and I really enjoy seeing waste be turned into something valuable. Our trees and flowers thrive when fed by this perfect nutritional supplement.  However, Sally Weaver Sommer has a really great outline of benefits that I learned a lot from. 

Stay tuned for Part Two, where the Icon interviews Sally Weaver Sommer on the benefits of composting.

Below, Chappell-Dick supplied a chart of the best mix of brown versus green matter that should go in your compost pile.