Don't let your compost go slimy this summer

Herefordshire Council wants to remind residents help is at hand to ensure they can make excellent compost and that they don't give up if things go wrong.

A common complaint is that compost bins have become a slimy smelly mess. During the summer months extra grass cuttings go into the compost bin which can be problematic when added in one go.

If people add too many grass cuttings to the bin it will become a slimy smelly mess because there is no air available. This is a common mistake and can be easily rectified.

In order to solve this problem people need to add more browns (carbon rich, tougher materials) such as scrunched up cardboard, some leaves reserved from the autumn months, shredded woody waste, egg boxes, toilet roll tubes and tea bags people will add structure to your compost bin and thus add air to the mixture. This will enable the composting process to work effectively.

Laura Preece, Herefordshire Council’s recycling officer, said: “Sometimes people experience problems with their composting, especially when they are new to it. I'd like to remind people that help and advice is available if required and often there is a simple solution available to solve common composting troubles."

Compost bins are available from as little as £8, if ordered online from www.recyclenow.org.uk/compost. To order over the phone call 0845 077 0757.

For more advice on home composting visit the website http://www.wastemissionimpossible.org.uk/ or call the Mission Impossible hotline on 01905 766883.