Composting in schools | Gloucestershire Recycles

Good compost depends on a variety of ingredients to make the right mix.

To get healthy compost and avoid a slimy mess infested with fruit flies you need to add 'brown' materials (torn up cardboard boxes, wood shavings or straw work well) each time you add your 'greens' (such as fruit waste). The ratio needs to be about 50:50. It takes your compost about a year to rot down, after which you'll need to use it! Home-made compost is full of nutrients and perfect for beds or tubs around your school.

More information on composting

Good compost depends on a variety of ingredients to make the right mix.

To get healthy compost and avoid a slimy mess infested with fruit flies you need to add 'brown' materials (torn up cardboard boxes, wood shavings or straw work well) each time you add your 'greens' (such as fruit waste). The ratio needs to be about 50:50. It takes your compost about a year to rot down, after which you'll need to use it! Home-made compost is full of nutrients and perfect for beds or tubs around your school.

More information on composting

Where should I position my compost bin?

Your compost heap should ideally:

Be placed in a partially sunny spot to help speed up the process
In an area that is well drained to allow water to drain out
On soil so that worms can get in and help break down the contents

Getting a balance of greens and browns

'Greens' are nitrogen rich materials such as fruit peels, tea bags and grass. When just those items are added to a compost bin the mixture tends to become slimy and sludgy. It is important to add 'browns' or carbon rich materials such as sticks and twigs, shredded paper and toilet roll tubes every time you add greens to the bin to ensure the balance is right. This will also help reduce the likelihood of fruit flies and other pests.

Garden organic have lots of helpful information about home composting which can be adapted for schools if you are looking for more information about getting started or maintaining your compost bins.