Recycling in Autumn: All You Need Know

The summer in now over and autumn is here. With all those leaves gathering on the ground, what do you do with them? There are various eco friendly ways in which those dead leaves can be put to good use, and here are a few suggestions:

Compost
Composting is the best thing for your garden. It converts dead leaves and other organic waste into valuable nutrients for your garden. Composting is valuable for the environment because it helps to reduce the level of waste in the landfills. In the land fill the air cannot reach the organic waste, and as it breaks down the organic waste is actually converted into poisonous gases like methane which is harmful to the earth’s atmosphere. When the waste decomposes in your garden, the oxygen prevents the waste from being converted into methane. This is a positive for the planet. You will also have a natural fertiliser for your garden. It will provide nutrients for the soil making your plants healthier and more beautiful.

Setting Up Your Compost Bin
It is important to make sure that your compost bin is placed directly on the soil as this enables insects and microbes to access the rotting leaves. It also allows aeration and drainage. If you wish to avoid vermin then you can place wire mesh around the base of the recycle bin. You should avoid placing your bin directly on the pavement as liquid can seep through and cause a stain. Instead place a soil barrier between the bin and the concrete. You should also avoid placing the bin on deck for the same reason. You can place the bin on a raised bed to avoid liquid seeping through. Basically any surface you do not wish to see stained should have a barrier erected between the surface and the bin. Alternatively you can make your own bin with some netting and stakes.

Chicken Bedding
This may not be applicable to everyone but if you own chickens then it would be a good idea to use decomposed leaves for bedding. They would certainly appreciate it!

Creating a small animal habitat
Leaves can be a refuge for insects, birds and wildlife in the winter season. Pile the leaves in the corner of your yard and that should be enough to do these creatures a big favour.

Mulching
You can also use leaves for mulch. It may be a bit of work but it will save you money in the long run.