Neighbourhood Services

Cleansing Services

Composting

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I compost?
2. What can I compost?
3. Will composting attract pests and diseases?
4. What is the best method for a small garden?
5. Will my compost bin smell?
6. What do I do if I produce more compost thatn I can use?
7. Where can I get a composting bin?

Why should I compost?
Up to a third of your household bin can be taken up with possible compostable material. Instead of sending this to landfill, give your self more space in your bin and improve your garden soil by creating your own compost.

What can I compost?
You can compost many materials found in your garden as well as produce from the kitchen. See Getting Started for a full description.

Will composting attract pests and diseases?
Cooked food and some raw fruit and vegetables can attract pests including mice and foxes. To be on the safe side, do not compost cooked food. Fruit and vegetable peeling are ok as long as they are put in a compost container and not in a compost heap. To minimise flies, cover fruit waste with a layer of compost or soil.

What is the best method for a small garden?
You can use a compact container such as the one available from the Council.

Will my compost bin smell?
Compost should not smell unpleasant. If you find that your composter is too smelly it may be that it lacks air, and may also need something dry and airy mixed with it – cardboard or scrunched up paper is the best option.

What do I do if I produce more compost than I can use?
If you find that you cannot use all the compost you make pass it on to friends and neighbours who will be glad of the benefits to their garden.

Where can I get a composting bin?
East Ayrshire Council in partnership with WRAP (The Waste & Resources Action Programme) promote a range of subsidised home composting bins – see Special Offer for more details.