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Old Posted: 19-04-2009 , 11:37 AM #2
lislaw
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath
Posts: 512
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Hi
You can put any uncooked food waste, like peelings, salad leftovers etc. Any overripe fruit or veg, tea bags, coffee grinds, egg shells (scrunched up), egg boxes or newspaper ripped up / shredded, used potting compost , garden cuttings including grass ( If you've put grass in or are using a lot of grass then it's a good idea to put a layer of shredded paper in beneath it or on top as its a good way to absorb the moisture from the grass and help the paper decay.
Any kitchen or garden waste really is fine. Woodier or thicker items should be chopped up or cut into smaller bits so they won't take as long to break down.

It's easier to say what shouldn't go in:
No Cooked Food Waste
No Animal Droppings (except chicken poo)
No Oils
No Plastic (obviously)
No Breads or Pastas

Give it a good going at with a garden fork, if you can, the odd time. It stops the mixture getting too compacted and helps to introduce air to help the process along.

When you open the lid - stand back - or else get a mouthful of flies and a lungful of rotting waste smell.

I've always found it useful to throw in a few worms to get that side of things going, although they should find their own way in eventually.

Good luck
Lisa
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