Composting

Composting is the controlled, aerobic biological decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms; compost is a dark, earthy-smelling, biologically stable soil amendment produced by the decomposition of organic materials. The composting process requires a ratio of carbon-rich materials, such as dry leaves or wood chips, to nitrogen-rich materials, such as grass clippings or food scraps. Maintaining adequate moisture, oxygen, particle size, and temperature ensures microorganisms effectively break down organic materials into quality compost.

Benefits of Composting/using compost

  • Recycles organic materials into a valuable soil amendment
  • Extends landfill life by diverting organic materials from the landfill
  • Compost adds organic matter to the soil and increases the nutrient content and biodiversity of microbes in soil
  • Conserves water and reduces water use by helping soils retain moisture
  • Helps prevent soil erosion by reducing soil compaction and runoff
  • Reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides
  • Helps regenerate poor soil and remediate soils that have been depleted by overuse or contain contaminants
  • Improves water quality by filtering stormwater and reducing nutrient and sediment runoff

Top-dressing your lawn with compost helps increase water infiltration and increases the soil’s ability to hold water during times without rainfall.

compost

The City of Plano, in partnership with the cities of Allen, Frisco, and Richardson, composts all yard trimmings and brush at the Regional Composting Facility located at the NTMWD Disposal Facility. Compost may be purchased in bulk or bagged compost may be purchased at the following locations:

Custer Road Facility             Regional Composting Facility
9901 Custer Road                3820 Sam Rayburn Hwy
Plano, TX 75025                   Melissa, TX 75454

For more information, check out Texas Pure Products.


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Spring Into Backyard Composting - Turning Trash into Treasure

Composting has so many benefits; it is almost magical. It retains moisture in the soil while also improving it! Composting also increases plant growth and yield and keeps waste out of our watersheds and landfills. Get tips to make high-quality compost that will benefit your garden. Brad Voss, County Extension Agent for Horticulture with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Collin County, discusses different composting methods you can start with now and shares the perfect recipe to turn your organic trash into treasure.