Composting

What is Compost?
Nature’s Recycling System YOUR VERMI
Compost is a natural fertiliser and soil conditioner that can be
made at home from organic wastes. In a compost heap, these
wastes are converted into a rich humus by soil micro
organisms, insects and earthworms.
COMPOSTING
Home Composting Has
Many Benefits
With thanks to the Auckland Regional Authority for
GUIDE
• It improves the soil by returning the nutrients
their permission to reproduce this brochure
and adding texture.
• It is low cost and easy to make.
• It reduces the amount of rubbish sent to public landfills.

WHANGAREI DISTRICT COUNCIL

Forum North, Private Bag 9023, Whangarei.
Telephone 09 430 4200 Facsimile 09 438 7632
E-mail mailroom@wdc.govt.nz Web www.wdc.govt.nz

Mission:

Creating the ultimate

living environment
vermi (worm) compostIng
What is it? For those in flats or with
no garden
Vermicomposting is composting using worms to eat your fruit
This is an easy way to recycle food scraps and keep organic
and vegetable scraps.The worms are exactly the same worms as
waste out of your rubbish bin.
those in your compost heap or bin outside but are contained in a
smaller, transportable bin that can be indoors, outdoors or on a For children
verandah or porch.The worm bins are sometimes called worm A great way to learn about organic recycling and at the same
farms or worm factories. time to learn to care for animals. Kids love them.
What the worms need
What you need
• Food from your kitchen scraps, egg cartons, newspapers, etc.
A bin or container with full operational instructions and book.
• Damp but not wet conditions.
A small number of worms to start off.
• Neither too hot nor too cold.
• No pesticides or fly spray nearby.

What are
the benefits?
For your pot plants or garden
The worms eat your kitchen food scraps and process them
into castings.
Vermicasts are a high quality soil conditioner and may be added
to your garden and indoor and outdoor pot plants.
Worm tea is the liquid waste from the worms.This is also an
effective fertiliser. Plants fed on worm waste improve in growth
and quality.You will have a continual supply of soil conditioner
for no cost, once the system is in place.