Compost is a dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling form of decomposing organic matter.

Composting is the most practical and convenient way to handle yard waste and return organic matter to the soil in a useable form. Adding compost to your soil improves texture and boosts nutrient and moisture retention.

Nutrient rich soil supports plant growth, and healthy plants work to purify our air. If you have a lawn, garden, shrubs, or even planter boxes, you have a use for compost!

Anything that was once alive can be composted. Yard wastes such as fallen leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and the remains of garden plants make excellent compost. Woody yard wastes can be chipped, sawed, and run through a shredder for mulching, or to add texture to your compost pile. 

Care must be taken when composting kitchen scraps. Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and tea leaves are safe for backyard composting. Meat, bones, dairy products and fatty foods such as: cheese, salad dressing, and leftover cooking oil, should be placed in the garbage or Clean Green programs where available.