Happy Earth Day, y’all. We’ve told you about recycling locally and ongoing initiatives to celebrate Earth Day. So today, we are digging into the dirty details of another way you can support the planet — composting.
We know, composting can seem a little messy + intimidating, but trust us — the process is a lot simpler than you think.
What is it?
Compost looks like your average dirt, but it’s an super organic material made from trash, like food waste and yard debris, that can be transformed into plant + garden fertilizer.
Why should I give it a try?
Composting helps reduce how much trash we create + food waste is the No. 1 item that ends up in the trash. That combined with yard trimmings make up approx. 30% of what South Carolinians throw away every year. Composting is also a natural alternative to chemical fertilizer for your yard and garden. That’s a win for you + the planet.
How do I get started?
Follow this helpful chart from DHEC to identify the best method of composting for your needs.
How do I compost locally?
City of Columbia
Backyard composting is supported + encouraged by the City of Columbia’s Solid Waste and Recycling Division and DHEC’s Don’t Waste Food SC initiative. Residents have home composting options and this guidebook is a helpful tool to get started. For more tips on backyard composting, check out this resource.
Richland County
Richland County Solid Waste & Recycling has compost bins that can be purchased here. It also comes with a plastic container to collect your kitchen scraps + a box of compostable bags.
ProTip — Call 803-929-6000 for details about how to place an order. Bins can be picked up at the County’s C&D Landfill, 1070 Caughman Rd., North (off Monticello Road) from 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Lexington County
If you live in Lexington County, here is information about composting options, mulch, and backyard compost bins. You can also buy bagged compost and mulch from the Edmund Landfill, 498 Landfill Lane, Lexington.
