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 Be sure to visit the Township of
Langley Demonstration Garden, 4887 - 221
Street, to view a number of backyard and worm composters at work. A gardener is present Mondays through Fridays, June until September and will be happy to answer questions.
What is Composting?
Composting is simply defined as the natural decaying process of food and yard waste (organic material) that results in a dark, nutrient-rich material used to fertilize and condition soil. It requires mixing different types of organic materials with air and water which breaks down with the help of heat and micro-organisms, such as bacteria.
Why Compost?
 Compost is frequently used as a conditioner to enrich soil and provide moisture, nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and oxygen to garden beds and lawns.
It is estimated that approximately one-third of household garbage is compostable organic material, so it is important to keep this material from occupying valuable landfill space. Although it is generally thought that organic material will decompose the same way in landfills as at home, it actually takes much longer to accomplish in a landfill since there is little oxygen flow to the microbes responsible for decomposing.
By composting, you will reduce the amount of waste contributed to landfills, save money on garbage disposal and fertilizer while contributing positively to the environment.
How-to Videos
Videos are courtesy of North Shore Recycling Program
Purchasing a Backyard Composter
 First, you need a compost bin. These can be purchased at your local hardware store, the Township's Civic Facility, 20338 - 65 Avenue, or the Operations Centre, 4700 - 224 Street. The Township sells the "Earth Machine," an 80 gallon, durable and lightweight composter. It measures:
- 89 cm (35 in) high
- 81 cm (32 in) across the base
- 60 cm (24 in) across the top
The subsidized cost to Township residents only is $35 payable by cash, cheque, or credit card if purchased at the Civic Facility. The Operations Centre only accepts cash or cheque. To purchase: Call 604.532.7300.
Building Your Own Composter
An alternative to purchasing a composter is to build your own. A custom composter can be made of wood, concrete blocks, wire mesh, or almost any material available. Keep in mind that a composter should have:
- a lid that protects the pile from precipitation and allows for control over how much moisture gets in
- holes or vents to allow air circulation
- a way of removing the final product (i.e. a drawer or door at the base)
For a detailed guide on how to make a composter, see Metro Vancouver's Compost Bin Construction Plan (Single Bin System).
 Download the Compost Bin Construction Plan (Single Bin System) (199KB)
For information on how to make a 3-bin composting system from home, please see Metro Vancouver's Compost Bin Construction Plan (Three Bin System).
Download the Compost Bin Construction Plan (Three Bin System) (228KB)
Compost Bin Placement
It is best to place your bin on a level, well-drained area where worms and insects can access the bin to speed up decomposition. To further accelerate the composting process, place your bin in a partially sunny spot. Keep it away from wooden structures.
What to Put In Your Compost
Once you have a compost bin, you�re ready to start! All you need is a 1:1 mixture of "brown" and "green" materials, some moisture, air, and a little patience.
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"Browns"
- dried grass clippings
- dried leaves
- cardboard egg boxes
- shredded paper
- wood chips and shavings
- straw
- clothes dryer lint (really!)
Browns are carbon-rich, decompose slowly, and create air pockets in your compost. They help soak up excess moisture. |
"Greens"
- raw fruit and vegetable peelings or leftovers
- coffee grounds
- egg shells
- garden waste (fresh/green)
- tea leaves and bags
Greens are nitrogen-rich, quick to rot, and provide moisture to your compost.
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 Begin with a 5 cm (2 inch) layer of brown material and then alternate layers of green and brown.
What materials CANNOT be composted?
 items that attract pests (meat, bones, greasy food, oils)
dairy products
grass clippings treated with pesticides
dog or cat feces
grain products
cooked food scraps (including fruits and vegetables)
BBQ ashes or coal
diseased plants
Managing your Compost
 The mixture should be kept as moist as a wrung-out sponge and turned regularly for aeration. Try to keep your browns and greens in balance. Add browns to your mixture if it is too wet; add greens if it is too dry.
The length of time it takes to compost depends on how actively the following properties are managed:
- temperature
- moisture
- material size (surface area): smaller pieces will decompose faster
- oxygen flow: the more you turn and mix the pile, the faster it will decompose
- carbon to nitrogen ratio (ratio of "browns" to "greens"): keep it balanced
You can compost year-round, even if the pile is frozen.
Finished Compost
It usually takes anywhere from 6 to 9 months for your compost to be ready for the garden.
When it is finished, there will be a spongy dark-brown to black soil layer at the bottom of your bin. Spread it over gardens to improve soil quality.
That's all there is to it! For more information on how to compost, please see Metro Vancouver's "Here's the dirt" composting guide.
Here's the Dirt - Backyard Composting (3.55MB)
Here's the Dirt - Worm Composting (1.61MB)
Composting Troubleshooting
 What should I do if my compost pile?
Smells awful
If your compost pile smells, there might not be enough air reaching the inside of the pile or it may be too moist. Try turning the pile more frequently or adding dry materials (browns) to the mixture.
Attracts pests and flies
Usually pests and flies are attracted by the presence of bones, meat, and fats in the pile. If no meat etc. is present, there may be exposed starchy food or food waste. Turn the pile to cover exposed starchy food or food waste.
Won't decompose or is too dry
The pile may not be composting since it is too dry or contains too much woody material. To re-balance your pile, moisten it with water until slightly damp. Then turn the pile and add some fresh green material.
Is too damp
When a compost pile is too damp, it may be placed in an area with poor drainage or there are too many green materials present. To fix the problem, try adding dry (brown) materials or relocate your bin to a more level, partially sunny and well-drained area.
Additional Tips
- it's a good idea to cover your compost bin to prevent rain, snow, and rodents from getting inside
- you may have to water your compost pile occasionally if it gets too dry
- to aerate, turn the pile with a shovel or pitchfork at least once a week
- to speed up the process, chop larger material into smaller pieces
- to reduce the probability of pests after adding new material, rotate it away from the surface of the pile
Dog Waste Composting
Many dog owners wonder what to do with their
pet's waste. One excellent option is to make your own
"Doggie Composter". Here are some simple instructions
courtesy of the "City Farmer" Vancouver based site.
Worm Composting (Vermicomposting)
 Worm composting is ideal if you:
- live in a smaller space such as an apartment or town home
- would like to compost using a faster method of composting (a couple of months)
When properly done, worm composters are compact, pest-free, odourless, and fun!
Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, and ground up egg shells may be turned into valuable plant nutrients through worm composting. Worm composters operate similarly to a backyard composter, except worms do most of the work. They decompose organic material and generate their own high-nutrient waste as an end product.
To avoid foul odours and pest problems, DO NOT compost meat, dairy, oily foods, or grains.
Worm composting bins are compact (about the size of a blue curbside recycling box) and can be stored under the sink or outside on a balcony or patio. Worms thrive in a moist environment that is ideally between 15 and 25 degrees C. The bins must not be exposed to extreme heat or cold, excess moisture, or dryness. In ideal conditions, worms will eat their weight in food each day.
The Township is offering worm composting kits to Township residents only at the subsidized cost of $30. Payment will be accepted (cash or cheque only) at the workshop.*
- 56.5cm x 43.8cm x 31.7cm (22.25�x17.25�x12.5�) container complete with lid and tray
- bedding materials
- reference materials
- a half pound of red wiggler worms
*A mandatory 1-hour workshop on the care and feeding of your new "pets" is also included in the cost.
Worm Composting Workshop Dates
For more information: 604.532.3544 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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