This year, SEA Club introduced a new composting system that is easier and more efficient. We have big compost bins that you can find in the commons, gym, library, and out back by the outdoor shed. We also put out smaller buckets in other parts of the school during lunch. Every Tuesday, Compost RVA comes to pick our compost up. We invite all students and faculty to participate in our new and environmentally friendly system!
What We Can Compost
What We Can't Compost
Meat
Fruits and Vegetables
Paper towels, napkins, tissues
Coffee and tea grounds
Milk and dairy
News paper
cardboard
Unbleached/uncolored paper
Any product that specifies it as compostable
Cleaning products
Receipts
Stickers
Mail (anything with a glossy coating)
rubber bands
Straws, plastic utensils
Staples
Paper plates with plastic lining
Drink containers (unless they specify they are compostable)
Wrappers (unless specified otherwise)
Bleached or colored paper
Styrofoam
All the big bins at school have lists of what you can and can't compost, so if you're unsure, you can look at those.
Want to Start Your Own Compost at Home?
If you were thinking about starting your own compost at home, it's really easy! Here are a few tips to get you started...
You should start your compost bin outside to keep the smell out of your house. For temporary storage in the kitchen, keep a closed container somewhere that you can put food scraps in that you can empty out in your compost later
If you want to speed up the composting process, chop any larger material into smaller material, and that will make breaking down easier and quicker
For the actual compost bin itself, you don't even need a container. You can start it on a spot in your backyard somewhere. If you do decide to use a container, you want to make sure there is a way for air to get in and water to get out. This could be a crate that has holes all around it, or a big bucket that you drill holes in. If you want a fancy composter that will be sure to get the job done, FCMP Outdoors have the best ones in our opinion, but there are others out there too.
If you do decide to start composting on a spot in your backyard, lay down some twigs or straw first in order to allow air to get in and water to drain when it rains.
You want to make sure you cover your compost with something. This could be a lid or plastic sheet or really anything you have that you think would work. Covering your compost with something allows it to stay moist and retain heat. These two things are essential for breaking down matter.
Make sure you turn your compost every once in awhile. This also allows for aeration which is needed for the material to breakdown
For materials you actually can compost at home, it's a little different than our list above. Those are the things the company can compost, but at home there are some things we shouldn't. For example, at home you should not put any meats in your compost because that will attract unwanted animals. The list of things you can compost at home is too long to include here, but this website has a great list of things that you should definitely check out.