Composting in the school grounds
Composting at school is a fun way to learn about nature while also reducing the amount of organic waste that your school produces. An added bonus is that you can actually get to see the end result of your efforts – the finished compost can be used to beautify your school’s grounds!
All Gloucestershire schools are entitled to 2 free 330 litre compost bins, a basic Can – o – Worms 45 litre wormery or a 400 litre Thermo King composter per academic year. Click here to download a great resource pack. Do NOT order compost bins through this link. To request please email aunty.rubbish@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Good compost depends on a variety of ingredients to make the right mix. Below you can see what is meant for the compost bin and what should be avoided. Click here for some top tips on how to get the most from your compost bin.
To get healthy compost (and avoid a slimy mess infested with fruit flies!) you need to add other ‘brown’ materials each time you add your 'greens', such as fruit waste. The ratio needs to be about 50:50. Torn up cardboard boxes, wood shavings or straw work well, you could try putting a plea in your school newletter asking parents for these ingredients.
It will take 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.
No
Meat, dairy products, or any animal droppings. These can encourage unwanted pests and create an odour
Perennial weeds such as dandelions and thistles
Plastics, glass and metals will not decompose into compost.
No
‘Greens’ include grass cuttings, plant prunings, veggie peelings, fruit waste & tea bags
‘Browns’ are slower to rot, these include fallen leaves, cardboard, shredded paper, paper hand towels & egg boxes
Egg shells can be included in compost to add vital nutrients.
