Ensure compost is regularly watered or has water heavy material in dry climates. So many backyard composting systems I have seen in Southern California never break down because they are too dry. The microbes and bacteria that break down organic material into soil are alive and like all living things they need water to survive. To support this I often save food scraps in my freezer so when I add them to the compost the extra frozen water melts adding moisture to the material. Healthy soil rich in organic material will absorb and hold water better than hydrophobic dead soil.
As the owner of a landscape company, the key to establishing an effective composting system is maintaining the proper balance of green and brown materials. I always advise adding 2-3 parts brown, carbon-rich materials like leaves and twigs for every 1 part green, nitrogen-rich materials such as grass clippings or food scraps. This carbon-to-nitrogen ratio helps ensure the compost pile stays aerated and the waste decomposes efficiently into nutrient-rich humus. In my experience, the most common mistake new composters make is creating piles that are too wet or too compacted, which prevents oxygen from reaching the center and causes the waste to rot anaerobically. The ideal compost pile should have the moisture and aeration of a wrung-out sponge. I recommend covering food scraps and grass clippings, turning the pile regularly with a pitchfork, and avoiding the urge to compress the material down. For commercial landscapers and gardeners, a well-maintained composting system is invaluable for nourishing plants and improving soil structure in an eco-friendly way. At my company, we produce over 200 cubic yards of quality compost annually using yard waste and food scraps collected from local businesses. We then use this compost to improve the soils in many of the properties we maintain, which helps our clients save money on fertilizers and see healthier, more vibrant landscapes.
Start small and sustainable. Often times people fail to establish a new habit because they strive for perfection. Instead of trying to compost of single potentially compostable item, start with the lowest-friction changes first. Get people used to making the new changes and then start to build momentum from there.
To establish a sustainable composting system, it is essential to prioritize community engagement and education. Involve the community by conducting workshops that teach the fundamentals of composting and suitable materials. This approach fosters a sense of ownership among community members, leading to increased participation and long-term commitment to the composting initiative.