BACKYARD COMPOSTING
Purchase a compost bin, rain barrel, and accessories at wholesale prices! Use this form to place your order. Pick up items at 600 Meriwether Avenue, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Payment is due at time of purchase. Check or money order only, made out to Louisville Metro Treasurer. Learn more about the products available.
Why Compost?
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It reduces greenhouse gases. Food waste in landfills rots very slowly and releases methane, a strong greenhouse gas. By reducing the amount of food you waste and composting, you are helping our air quality and conserving valuable landfill space.
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It gives your plants more nutrients. Adding compost to your soil will encourage the production of bacteria and fungi, which naturally increases the nutrient content in your soil.
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It saves money. Composted soil retains more water and reduces plant diseases and pests, which saves money on chemicals, fertilizers, and watering. It also cuts costs associated with trash hauling, for you and your municipality.
How to Compost
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Choose your design. There are a wide variety of design options. You can purchase a compost bin or tumbler or even build one yourself. Our 2021 compost bin/rain barrel truckload sale is happening now! If you'd like an Earth Machine compost bin or a rain barrel at wholesale prices, purchase here.
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Choose your location. Choose a spot that can be easily reached, has plenty of space, and away from perennial plants.
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Start composting. Simply start adding your food scraps and yard waste. “Green” materials provide nitrogen and “brown” materials provide carbon. For every one part “green” materials add two parts “brown” materials.
Green Materials (1 part)
Vegetable and fruit scraps
Grass clippings
Coffee grounds and tea bags
Animal manure (from plant eaters)
Green leaves
Brown Materials (2 parts)
Newspaper and cardboard
Untreated wood products, saw dust, and branches
Straw and hay
Bread, rice, and pasta
Egg shells
Brown leaves
Non-Compostable Items
Meat and bones
Animal manure (from meat eaters)
Diseased plants, weed seeds
Fish and seafood
Wax-coated cardboard
Grease, oil, and fat
Dairy products
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Maintain your compost. Your compost needs water, oxygen and heat. “Green materials” provide water and rain or hose water can be added when needed. Turning your compost adds oxygen. Heat comes naturally with the proper mix of ingredients and a larger pile.
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Use your compost. Your compost is ready to use when it has a uniform black color, a clean smell, and no identifiable pieces. Turn it into the soil of your garden, add to potting soil, or use in the bottom of a transplant site.