Composting is an Easy Alternative to Burning!

A compost pile can be set up in a corner of the yard with few supplies. Choose a level spot about three to five feet square near a water source and preferably out of direct sunlight. Clear the area of sod and grass. When building a composting bin, such as with chicken wire, scrap wood, or cinder blocks, be sure to leave enough space for air to reach the pile. One removable side makes it easier to tend the pile.

Many foods can be composted, including vegetable trimmings, egg shells, coffee grounds with filters, and tea bags. In addition to leaves, grass, and yard clippings, vacuum cleaner lint, wool and cotton rags, sawdust, shredded newspaper, and fireplace ashes can be composted. DO NOT compost meats, dairy foods, or any fats, oil, or grease because these items can attract pests.

Start the pile with a four inch layer of leaves, loose soil, or other coarse yard trimmings. If you are going to compost food scraps (a slightly more involved process), you should mix them with yard trimmings when adding them to the pile. Alfalfa meal or clean cat litter may be added to the pile to absorb odors. In dry weather, sprinkle water on the pile, but don't get it too soggy. Turn the pile every few weeks with a pitchfork to circulate air and distribute moisture evenly. Don't be surprised by the heat of the pile or if you see worms, both of which are part of the decomposition process. Make sure children do not play in the composting pile or bin.

In most climates, the composting process is finished in three to six months when it becomes a dark crumbly material that is uniform in texture. Spread it in the garden or yard beds or under the shrubbery. The compost also can be used as potting soil.

Allegany County Compost Site

North Branch Industrial Park
11700 PPG Road
Cumberland, MD 21502
(Off of Maryland Route 51, across from former PPG Plant) 

Hours of Operation

Summer Hours Start:  Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Schedule:  Wednesday - Sunday (5 days) from 10:00AM-6:00PM

Winter Hours Start:  Thursday, December 2, 2008

Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (3 Days): 8:00AM-4:00PM

Items Accepted

 Grass, leaves, brush, Christmas trees and tree limbs four inches or less in diameter.

Items Not Accepted

Stumps, roots, tree limbs exceeding 4 inches in diameter, lumber, pallets, railroad ties, rubble.