Composting

Yard Waste Composting

Yard waste compost is a mixture of leaves, grass clippings, fruit and vegetable wastes, and animal manure which has matured for more than a year. The compost has been tested several times for nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and PCBs. It meets New York State's regulatory standards for class I compost. This compost is not suitable for use as a fill material or in place of soil for construction projects.

Yard waste compost is available at Bristol Hill Landfill.

How Do I Use Yard Waste Compost Properly?

The Class I classification means that the compost is approved for use as a soil additive for plants including: flowers, vegetables, shrubs, lawns, and trees. Use this compost the same way you would peat moss. Compost is not a fertilizer, but it will help improve the quality of your soil.

For best results, use at a rate of 3 inches of compost on top of the soil. Turn or mix into the soil before planting seeds or plants. If used as a mulch around trees and shrubs, place 2 inches deep.

Do not use this compost in containers without mixing with potting mix or soil. Use of 100% compost in planters, flower boxes, and pots without mixing may cause poor plant growth and plant yellowing. For container gardening, use at a rate of 50% potting soil, 50% compost.

If you wish to store the compost material for the summer, and place it on plants in the fall, it will be even better for your plants.