Composting

CREATE BLACK GOLD FOR YOUR GARDEN
Composting 

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants. Anything that grows decomposes eventually; composting simply speeds up the process by providing an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other decomposing organisms (such as worms, sowbugs, and nematodes) to do their work. The resulting decomposed matter, which often ends up looking like fertile garden soil, is called compost. Fondly referred to by farmers as “black gold,” compost is rich in nutrients and can be used for gardening, horticulture, and agriculture.

Elevated Composter in resident's garden

Elevated Composter | Photo by Tracee Laing

SIMPLE ACTION, GIANT IMPACT
Benefits Of Composting 

plastic landfill

Reduce Waste Stream

farming vehicles releasing emissions

Cut Methane Emissions

hands holding soil

Improve Soil Health

watering plants

Conserve Water

vegetables on cutting board next to compost box

SMART STRATEGIES TO CONSERVE
Reduce Food Waste

Roughly one-third of the food intended for human consumption in the United States is thrown away. That means all the energy used to produce, process, transport, prepare, and store discarded food is also wasted, which has a significant greenhouse gas footprint. 

One simple way to reduce food waste is proper food storage. Keep fruits and vegetables in appropriate containers and whenever possible freeze food before it goes bad. 

SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED
Composting at Home

1) Determine how you will collect and store your browns and greens.

2)  Set aside space for your compost pile and build or buy a bin. 

3) Prepare your ingredients for composting.

4) Build your compost pile.

5) Maintain your compost pile.

6) Harvest your finished compost.

The Compost Farm Sign on Jersey Mill Road

The Compost Farm | Photo by Paul Hammond

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT
The Compost Farm turns waste into black gold

Located just West of Granville, The Compost Farm sells high quality compost and also offers drop off services of lawn clippings, food waste and animal manure which is processed and turned into rich compost. They also grind up and chip brush for mulch.  

Contact David Lees: 740-817-0161

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT
Three Tigers Diverts Brewing Byproduct from Landfill to Livestock   

Breweries use large quantities of barley, oats and wheat in order to make their craft beers. But what happens to all of the spent grain byproducts of the brewing process? Thanks to an innovative partnership between Three Tigers Brewing Co. and local farmer Louie Catlett, more than 1,500 pounds of wet grain waste is diverted from the landfill each week and taken to Catlett’s farm outside of Granville where cattle eagerly eat the spent grains. This arrangement not only reduces waste and methane emissions from landfills, it also supports local agriculture and the circular economy. It’s a partnership that is not only good for the planet, it’s also good for both businesses’ bottom line.

seal composter with lid being opened

Seal Composter | Photo by Tracee Laing

VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE COMPOST RULES
Composting Code

The Village of Granville's code outlines regulations for composting within the village, emphasizing the proper disposal and management of organic waste. It prohibits improper disposal, and details requirements for backyard and small compost sites to prevent nuisances and ensure environmental health. This code supports sustainable practices and aims to reduce landfill waste by promoting composting as an eco-friendly solution.

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT
Digester reduces food waste in Granville schools

 As part of a "Take Action" Project for Mr. Jim Reding's Environmental Science class at Granville High School, students Casey Laughbaum and Alli Messner planned, fundraised and implemented the installation of an aerobic digester to process food waste generated at the high school. The Aerobic digester quickly turns food waste into a nutrient-rich biomass, similar to compost. This technology helps to reduce greenhouse gases by keeping food waste out of landfills. It also helps to lower fuel and transportation costs associated with waste management. 

 COMPOSTING
Frequently asked questions

What materials can I add to my backyard compost pile? 

Nitrogen-rich materials ("greens") such as:

Carbon-rich materials ("browns") such as: 

What materials should I NOT add to my backyard compost pile?

Materials to avoid adding to your backyard compost pile include: 

*backyard composting piles typically don't reach high enough temperatures to decompose. 

How do I keep critters out of the compost? 

Well constructed and maintained home compost piles should not attract pests. 

What about commercial composting? 

For information about commercial composting, vistis Ohio EPA or contact David Les at 740-817-0161

Sugar Loaf Sign

Sugar Loaf Park | Photo by Mary-Rose O'Brien-Bernini