Waste Not: Part 1

As part of a series on reducing the garbage in our lives, I decided to write about the different ways to divert waste and possibly even make good use of it. This series begins with a piece on balcony composting that I drafted back in February, but as the weather has warmed up considerably since then, I think now is the time to "dig in."

Apartment and condo dwellers fed up with throwing so much waste down their garbage chutes are finding interesting ways of keeping “organic” or vegetable waste out of the landfill. What some would call “trash” is actually “black gold” to others and provides a super nutritious meal for indoor vegetable gardens and plants. All that is required is the right composting system.

 

 

When it comes to throwing out organic waste, Lorraine Johnson admits she’s allergic. Johnson has written many books that touch on composting and gardening including The Real Dirt, a guide to backyard, balcony and apartment composting. When researching for her recently published book, City Farmer, Johnson met a condo dweller who had created his own composting system. “Marco (Pagilarulo) invented a really interesting composter for his 5th floor balcony,” explained Johnson.  

 

In his downtown living space, Pagilarulo explains why he decided to make his own balcony composter, “I saw all of this waste that I was throwing in the garbage and knew I had to do something.” There is no secret to Pagilarulo’s invention. Very simply, this is how it’s done:  

 

 Photo courtesy of Marco Pagilarulo

 

Homemade Balcony Composters: The materials required are: a 25 litre pail with a lid, a drill, a large planter roughly 24 cm in diameter with a tray underneath to catch excess water, potting soil, a rod to turn the soil and a saw with a narrow blade. First, cut out the bottom of the pail using the drill and saw and drill several holes all over the pail and lid. Second, cut a little door that can be removed out of the bottom of the planter. This will be used to remove the finished compost. Next, put at least 5 cm of soil at the bottom of the planter and drop the pail into its centre. Use the rest of the soil to fill the space between the pail and planter (not in the pail that is for the compost).  

 

  Photo courtesy of Marco Pagilarulo

 

Marco’s tips: “Raw vegetables are great for composting. Cut them up nice and small and add about the same amount of dry leaves to the mix. Use a stick to stir the mix deeply to allow for aeration. Do not add animal products because it will smell and attract pests. Keep the composter out of the rain and in a spot where it gets lots of air. Also avoid placing any vegetables that have been cooked in oil – they will not biodegrade. Try planting parsley or tomatoes around the pail for aesthetics and for eating.” When the composter is full, simply remove the compost from the bottom of the planter by removing the trap door and add it to other plants or place it in a container and share it with friends who have gardens.  

 

Downtown dwellers in condos and apartments could certainly take notes from Pagilarulo. Homeowners could also make more use of their backyard space. “It is unfortunate that we are seeing less and less backyard composting,” says Johnson. Municipalities would save taxpayer dollars and citizens would take care of the waste where it is produced.  

 

For additional tips on balcony composters, visit: torontobalconies.ca.