Composting

The Town of Mansfield advocates composting as an efficient way to reduce waste. The Town Hall, elementary schools and middle school compost food waste.  

Initially started as a Connecticut DEEP demonstration project, residents may bring their food scraps to the transfer station to be composted in the leaf pile. To learn more contact the Mansfield Recycling Coordinator at 860-429-3333 or waltonvd@mansfieldct.org. 

Setting up a backyard compost pile is the most convenient way to handle food scraps. Usually in the spring a composting workshop is offered to residents wishing to start a backyard compost pile. To get started, simply pile grass clippings, food scraps and yard trimmings together. Insects, fungi, bacteria and worms make compost by digesting these organic materials. They are key to the compost process.

How To Compost

There are some simple ways you can help these organisms speed up the process.

• Make a pile at least 3 feet high by 3 feet wide by 3 feet long. You can use a commercial bin, chicken wire, wood pallets, or no enclosure at all.
• Start by making the pieces small. Ice will melt faster if you break it into small pieces; the same is true with decomposing materials.
• Feed your compost critters a "balanced diet" of roughly one part succulent "green" trimmings to three parts woodier "brown" materials in alternating layers.
• Maintain a balance of moisture and air. Compost critters need oxygen and water. Keep your compost moist but not dripping wet. Keep the pile well aerated by thoroughly mixing it, or by occasionally turning it.

Your finished compost will be dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling and resemble rich soil. Use it as a garden mulch, a soil amendment, or with potting mix.

Good Compost Material