Version 2; Updated 11/6/06. Download the PDF for this page

All greenhouse areas on campus have green compost bins, which are managed by the greenhouse managers and Farm Services. They were specially constructed to meet our needs. The compost is taken from the bins, on a regular basis, to a large compost pile. The compost material is reused, so we need to do our part to keep it clean. Therefore we ask that you follow these simple procedures when composting.

General

Dump compost at the farthest available point from the door to the bin. As the bin begins to fill up close to the door, be sure the door is shut to prevent spilling. If the compost bin looks too full do not add any more. Tell someone on the greenhouse staff and they will call to have it taken away. When the compost bin is emptied, it will be temporarily removed. Leave compost you intend to dump in a dry location until the bin is returned. If using a compost container that will later be dumped into the larger bin do not allow any plastic or other trash to get added and do not allow it to get heavier than you can lift. Be sure that the lid to the container is shut tight to prevent spread of pests. Brown bags from plant samples and newspaper bedding can be composted. Use recycling containers for clean paper and compost any dirty paper. Do not compost wooden labels longer than 5 inches long and stakes because they break down very slowly.

Do Not Compost

Plastic coated paper Plastic stakes, labels, pots, bags, twist ties, gloves or tapener material Large woody material (nothing greater than two inch diameter) Rock wool or manufactured soil media substitutes Transgenic, diseased, or insect infested material unless it has been adequately autoclaved Wooden labels and stakes (nothing greater than five inches in length) Bamboo stakes

Compost

Plant material Dirty uncoated paper products Wood labels < 5 inches long Small amounts of fertilizer - liquid or granular* Clay, sand, soil & any natural soil media Paper coated twist ties Woody stems < 2 inch diameter Dirty uncoated paper products

*For larger quantities of fertilizer, contact Farm Services for information on removal: 257-2235