Composting Frequently Asked Questions

Composting Questions:

Q Do I need to register for the Composting Workshops?
A No. The workshops are free to the public and reservations are not required. Our workshops last about an hour. Low cost compost bins are available for purchase by Riverside County residents. We prefer that you pay for items with a personal check because we do not carry cash. Credit cards are not accepted.

Q Why Shouldn’t Compostable Material be Landfilled?
A Organic materials put into landfills not only take up a lot of room, but they contribute to methane gas, which is potentially explosive. Composting organic materials takes far less time, puts nutrients back into the soil, and benefits everyone.

Q What Happens During the Compost Process?
A In composting, organic material is mixed together in a pile or bin, where a cast of literally billions of tiny microbes digest the material and turn it into rich, dark, nutrient-rich compost (in fact, many people consider a compost pile to be "alive" with these organisms). Think of your compost pile as a tiny zoo.

There are two different methods of composting - aerobic, which means the micro-organisms that work in the pile require oxygen; and anaerobic, which means the micro-organisms that work in the pile do not require oxygen. Aerobic composting is generally quicker and hotter, but requires a bit more work. Anaerobic composting is cooler, takes longer, but requires less work.

During the aerobic process, the interior of the compost bin may reach temperatures as high as 160 degrees, as the billions of micro-organism set about on their task of eating and multiplying, eventually converting their "food" source to compost in as little as 4 weeks. In the anaerobic process, temperatures stay cooler, but the same process takes place in the absence of oxygen, eventually producing compost.

Q How do I Compost?
A It’s easy! Decide on a bin, gather and put together the essential materials, and keep the pile maintained. In as little as 4 weeks, you’ll have compost!
Select a bin - Bins come in all shapes, sizes and colors - you can make your own using wood, cinder blocks, and/or chicken wire, buy one of the commercial bins available at cost through Riverside County Backyard Composting Program or buy one at a hardware store in your neighborhood. If you want good compost soon, and don’t mind a little work, select an aerobic bin which is hotter and faster. If you want something simple, and don’t mind waiting, select the anaerobic bin. No matter which method you choose, compost will happen!

Gather materials - The ideal compost pile has an equal amount of (50/50) of "Browns" and "Greens" (see below).

Put materials together - mix your ingredients together in the bin, making sure to add plenty of water (don’t soak it though). If you have an aerobic bin, turn it every so often (every 6-7 days is ideal, but even once a month is okay). In as little as 4 weeks, you could have finished compost!