Compost Bins available for only €13!
Along with recycling, a large amount of what is in our bins can actually be composted. Approximately 1/3 of the waste that we throw away can be composted. Diverting the organic fraction of household waste into a compost heap or compost bin allows you to turn biodegradable waste into a nutrient rich compost for use as a soil improver. For effective composting to take place a number of ingredients are necessary.
- Fruit Peelings
- Vegetable Peelings
- Bread
- Pasta
- Egg Shells
- Tea Bags
- Coffee Grounds
- Hedge, Grass cuttings, leaves
- Shredded paper & Cardboard
It is important to mix or layer the waste that is going into your compost bin. For every container of organic food waste add some shredded paper or leaves etc. It is also very important to turn the material in your compost bin to introduce air. This should be done every couple of weeks. It can take up to 18 months to produce compost in this way.
Where can I get a compost bin?
A Home Compost Bin can be purchased from the following Donegal County Council Public Service Centres and Town Council Offices at a cost of €13.00.
- Buncrana Town Council - 074 9320020
- Bundoran Town Council - 071 9841230
- Carndonagh Public Services Centre - 074 9373700
- Donegal Town Public Services Centre - 074 9724400
- Dungloe Public Services Centre - 074 9561300
- Letterkenny Public Services Centre - 074 9194200
- Lifford Environment Section - 074 9172538
- Milford Public Services Centre - 074 9153900
Compost Quick Reference Chart:
The following list outlines what waste materials from your home and garden can be added to a compost bin. You must ensure that you add a mixture of both the Green (G) and Brown (B) Materials.
|
Material |
OK? |
Comments |
|
Tea Leaves/ Bags (G) and Coffee Grounds (B) |
Yes |
Squeeze excess water from tea bags.
Coffee filter can be added |
|
Egg Shells (B) |
Yes |
Wash
and Crush |
|
Kitchen Waste i.e. uncooked vegetables, peelings, skins and fruit etc (G) |
Yes |
|
|
Shredded Newspapers and soft cardboard (B) |
Yes |
Don’t use large quantities at once. Mix with fruit, vegetable or grass |
|
Wood/Peat ashes (B) |
Yes |
Do not add these ashes if firelighters were used to start fire |
|
Cut/Dead Flowers (G) |
Yes |
|
|
Pet/Human Hair (B) |
Yes |
|
|
Vacuum/Hoover Bag Contents (B) |
Yes |
Including paper part of bag |
|
Grass Cuttings (G) |
Yes |
Do not add large amounts at once. Mix with paper/cardboard |
|
Hedge Clippings / Prunings (B) |
Yes |
Slow to breakdown. Shred if possible |
|
Old Plants (G) |
Yes |
Do not add if infected with disease |
|
Weeds/Nettles (G) |
Yes |
|
|
Sawdust/Woodchips/Shavings (B) |
Yes |
Use if compost is too soggy |
|
Pet Manure i.e. rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters (G) |
Yes |
Animals bedding can also be added |
|
Hay and Straw (B) |
Yes |
In small amounts |
|
Do Not Add the Following |
|
|
|
Meat/Chicken/ Fish |
No |
May attract Vermin and Flies |
|
Cooked Kitchen Scraps |
No |
Contain too much water |
|
Cat/Dog Waste |
No |
Can contain parasites |
|
Dairy Products |
No |
May attract vermin or flies |
|
Persistent Weeds |
No |
Can infect Soil |
Further Information can be obtained by contacting:
Suzanne Tinney, Waste Awareness Officer Tel : 074 91 76276 or email suzanne.tinney@donegalcoco.ie