How to compost at home now that the green bin collection has ceased

There are no green bin collections in Doncaster, and with the town seized by a gardening fever, there is a growing amount of garden waste going nowhere fast.

We’ve been asked not to burn it because of the risk of uncontrolled fires but even more importantly, it’s a bit off to be producing plumes of smoke at a time when those shielding cannot go out of their house and rely on having a window open to get fresh air.

With no green bin and no fires, just what are we supposed to do?

Home composting is easy and you don’t even need any equipment to do it.

You’ll get fertiliser and/or compost from your heap so this could save you some cash too! Whether you are using a purpose-bought compost container, starting a freestanding pile or constructing a wooden structure like Grandad had, here’s what you need to know.

Step one: Pick a place where the temperature is most stable.

This is usually in the shade.

Step two: Exclude rain, retain some warmth, allow drainage, and let air in.

Use an old dustbin with holes in, plastic sheeting, old carpet etc.

Step three: Half of it should be fresh and green, either from the garden or kitchen waste.

Don’t compost meat unless it’s a sealed composter as it could attract vermin.

Step four: The other half should be brown and “dead”: cardboard, paper, straw, dead leaves and twigs.

Eggshells can go in too.

Step five: Variety is key and the smaller the “bits”, the quicker it will compost so if you can shred your paper and twigs, all the better.

For quick returns, think about a worm composter that you’ll get liquid fertiliser from this season, great Yorkshire worms are available online.

Keep your worms safe though, don’t put onions, garlic or citrus in as the little wrigglers don’t like it too much.

Save money and reconnect with nature, start composting today.

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