Home composting turns garden and kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil conditioner in 6-12 months. A standard 300-litre bin processes waste from an average UK garden. The ideal mix is 50% green nitrogen-rich materials (grass clippings, vegetable scraps) and 50% brown carbon-rich materials (cardboard, dried leaves). Compost is ready when it is dark, crumbly, and smells like woodland floor. UK councils provide subsidised bins from around fifteen pounds.
Key takeaways
- A 300-litre bin suits an average UK garden and costs from fifteen pounds via council schemes
- Mix 50% green materials (grass, food scraps) with 50% brown materials (cardboard, leaves)
- Compost is ready in 6-12 months, or 8-12 weeks with hot composting above 60C
- Turn compost every 2-4 weeks to speed decomposition and prevent bad smells
- Never compost cooked food, meat, dairy, or diseased plant material
- Finished compost improves soil structure, feeds plants, and reduces landfill waste
composting soil improvement garden waste organic gardening recycling
Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
