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How it worksWhat's the science of it all? How does a load of garbage transform into a marvelous fertilizer? Easy.
Under correct conditions, almost no work is required of you. Nature will reduce garbage into compost (that's garbage, by the way - organic matter - not trash).
Bacteria are vital agents in decomposition, and it's bacteria that cause compost to get hot (in fact, in cooler months, you may even notice steam). That's because the bacteria are on a feeding frenzy, and the faster they eat, the more heat they generate. Hot compost is a very good sign that great things are happening in there.
But when your pile cools off, you must turn it so the middle of the pile has all the right elements (air, moisture, carbon and nitrogen) to rekindle activity and keep the pile hot.
That same heat will escape if the pile is not large enough to retain it. A pile of at least one cubic yard (3 x 3 x 3 feet) is a good rule of thumb.
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© copyright 2001
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
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