Composting at home

Redirect food waste, and more, into the garden and out of the landfill

Composting is the natural process in which organic material is broken down by naturally occurring bacteria and fungus into a nutrient-dense soil amendment.

Benefits of composting include:

• Keeping organic materials (which amount to 28%) out of landfills where they would otherwise decompose and emit methane — a potent greenhouse gas which accelerates global warming — into the atmosphere
• Suppressing plant diseases and pests, reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides 
• Plants grow faster in soil supplemented with compost, making them able to pull more carbon dioxide out of the air

What can be composted?

• Produce scraps
• Plant trimmings and leaves
• Teabags and coffee grounds
• Non-glossy paper
• Grains
• Eggshells
• Hair

How do I compost?

Place materials in a bin or pile, with plenty of air flow, and keep them moist. Stir the pile every three to four days. When the volume becomes difficult to manage, begin a new pile, letting the old pile continue breaking down. When it’s completely black and without large pieces of recognizable food waste, it can be added to soil.

Alpine Bank places a high priority on the environment. Read more blogs on the topic here.

• July 21, 2023
• Miscellaneous
• Alpine Bank Staff

About This Author

Alpine Bank Staff

Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado’s Western Slope, mountains and Front Range.

More about Alpine Bank Staff

LinkedIn