Guidelines on how to use recycled compost at home.
What is recycled compost?
When organic material such as food scraps and garden clippings are placed in your organics bin, it is sent to Biomix in Stanhope to be turned into recycled compost. Recycled compost is a natural, environmentally friendly fertiliser and soil conditioner that is composted to the Australian Standard (AS4454) and can be used to increase soil health in both agricultural settings and home gardens.
How do I use recycled compost at home?
Recycled compost is nutritionally dense and can be used in many ways to improve the health of your plants, veggie patches, and even your lawns!
Use as a soil amendment
Dig recycled compost into your gardens while wearing gloves at a ratio of 1:4 (1 part compost to 4 parts garden soil). This will improve soil structure, buffer pH, increase the organic material and the population of micro and macro-organisms.
Use as a mulch
Use recycled compost as a mulch on your gardens (5 to 10 centimetres thick is best). This will reduce soil evaporation, smother weeds and regulate soil temperature.
Use as a lawn amendment
Sprinkle recycled compost over your lawns (around half a centimetre thick). This will increase the health of your lawn as well as worms and other organisms. Be careful not to use too much as vital functions throughout the entire grass blade could be adversely affected.
Use in pots and containers
Mix recycled compost into your plant potting mix while wearing gloves at a ratio of 1:4 (1 part compost to 4 parts garden soil). This will support the health of your plants and will absorb and retain water.
Handling and storage
Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Avoid breathing dust and/or liquid mists (bioaerosols). Wash your hands carefully after handling this product. Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs. Clean up by wet sweeping and/or vacuuming.
Remember: To maintain the quality of our recycled compost, only food scraps and garden clippings should go in the Organics bin!
More information
For more information, contact the Resource Recovery and Education Unit: