Start composting at home

Whether you have a large backyard or a small outdoor space, there are plenty of options to get started.

Choose a shaded spot for your compost bin or tumbler and aim for a balance of “greens” and “browns”.

Green materials such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and fresh lawn clippings provide nitrogen, while brown materials including dry leaves, cardboard and twigs add carbon.

Avoid adding meat, dairy, oils and treated materials, as these can attract pests or slow down the composting process.

Turn your compost regularly to help it break down and add a little water if it becomes too dry.

Within a few months, you’ll have dark, crumbly compost ready to enrich garden beds, feed plants and help your backyard thrive, all while giving household waste a second life.