Composting
Questions and Answers
Basic Composting
Will composting attract rodents?
Composting will not attract rodents as long you keep meat, dairy,
grease, grains and pet waste out, and be sure to use a rodent
resistant bin (with a lid, a floor and no holes or gaps larger
than ¼ inch). Composting in this way can actually reduce
rodent problems, because your garbage will contain fewer fruits
and vegetables, and those materials will break down without odor
in your compost. The city of Chicago Bureau of Rodent control
requires the use a rodent resistant bin for composting.
Can I compost through the winter?
Yes. Composting happens at all temperatures—it just goes
very slowly in the cold. Save some fall leaves aside and each
time you add a layer of fruit and vegetable trimmings, cover it
with a layer of leaves. In the spring, mix it up and it will break
down more quickly.
Worm Composting
Where can I find worms?
You can get worms from a friend who has a worm bin or a compost
bin, from a bait shop, or online. Use “Redworms” or
“Red Wigglers,” (Eisenia fetida) since they
are adapted to temperature fluctuations and high organic matter
environments, unlike night crawlers or regular earthworms. One
pound is a good amount to get started with.
Compost Bins
Where can I find a good compost bin?
The Chicago Home Composting Program offers the Earth Machine backyard
composter at a discounted rate for Chicago residents. There is
a one-day sale on July 23, 2005 at the Garfield Park Conservatory,
300 N Central Park Ave., and at the Chicago High School for Agricultural
Sciences at 3807 111th St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
See events page for information on the next sale. In the mean
time, you can visit composters.com and look for bins that have
a lid, a floor and no holes or gaps larger than ¼ inch
for rodent resistance (this is a requirement for composting in
the city of Chicago).
Do Compost/Don’t Compost
Can I compost pet waste?
No. Sorry. Dog and cat feces are too attractive for rodents and
vectors of disease. The way to handle dog, cat and pet bird waste,
according to the Chicago Bureau of Rodent Control, is to bag it
and dispose of it in your garbage. However, if you have a pet
rabbit, chinchilla or chicken, you can compost their waste in
your compost bin.
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