Re: Compost

Nick Zentena wrote:
> 
> On Fri, 13 Oct 2000, you wrote:
> 
> >
> > Worse still are the differences between a municipal yard waste compost
> > and a municipal solid waste compost. Some of the municipal solid waste
> > composts can contain undesirable levels of heavy metals, particularly
> > arsenic and lead. See for example:
> 
>         I went and actually read the www page for the program I intend
> to use. Figured it was a good idea.  Turns out it's leaf compost.
> 
> http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/compost/leaf1998.htm
> 
>         The program that uses yard waste is quite a drive so I had
> ruled it out.
> 
>         Since it's leaf compost I think that rules out some of the
> problems. Chemicals and disease could still be a problem. I'll quiz
> them about the program when I call them.
> 
>         I already compost everything I can but I just can't produce
> enough to matter. Stuff keeps going into the composter but very little
> ever comes out. I swear the thing is full most weeks but shrinks to
> half full over night.
> 
> Nick

Hello Nick,

Did you see their Web page with this quotation:

"Leaf & Yard Waste Collection and Composting Program Through the Leaf &
Yard Waste Collection and Composting Program, leaves and other yard
waste from residential collection are composted at the Avondale windrow
composting site located in the City of Vaughan, York Region. When
available, the resulting compost is distributed free of charge
throughout the summer, at special sites across Toronto including
Councillors' Environment Days. Compost is also available (year 'round,
weather permitting) in larger quantities (more than one cubic metre)
directly from the Avondale site for a nominal fee ($10 per metric tonne,
$3 per km delivery charge). To place your order, call 905-832-0682
ext237. <http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/compost/approach.htm>"

It sounds like the material being composted includes more than just tree
leaves. Are they keeping the two waste streams for leaves and yard waste
separated at the home collection points and the windrows? Be sure that
you're satisfied with the analysis of the material for your particular
types of iris. In particular, watch for any added sources of lime if
you're growing JI. It wouldn't hurt to ask them if they have a pH
analysis and an NPK analysis while you're at it. They probably monitor
it to some extent. Perhaps they comment on these issues at the
demonstration sites? It'll be interesting to learn what's coming out of
the composting program in terms of qualities.

Makes me want to look for some mulched leaves around here <g>.

Good luck,

Dallas Patterson
nye@fidalgo.net
USDA Zone 8
on Puget Sound in Washington.

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