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Compost at home
By composting food waste you get nutrient-rich soil. The compost bin must be closed, ventilated and reported to the municipality.
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How home composting works
Food waste is rich in nutrients and can be used as a soil improver in gardens and flower beds. To avoid problems, the compost must be:
- Closed and ventilated
- Stable and made of durable material
- Well insulated if used during winter
- Sized according to the household (at least 50 litres per person, around 200–250 litres for a household of 4–5 people)
Ventilation holes may be no larger than 5 mm.
Must not cause problems
The basic rule for all waste management is that it must not cause harm to people or the environment. A poorly managed compost can attract mice, rats and birds that spread disease. It is therefore important to handle compost correctly.
Report to the municipality
If you want to compost food waste at home, you must notify the Environmental and Building Committee. A fee is charged for processing. You find the fees here.
Tips for a functioning compost
- Place a 10–15 cm base layer of finely cut branches or twigs at the bottom of the bin.
- Chop large food scraps into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
- Stir the compost whenever you add new material.
- Always cover fresh food waste with dry material such as wood chips, dry garden waste, sawdust or shavings (not treated wood), chopped straw or peat. This prevents flies and larvae.
- Aerate regularly by mixing deep down and around the edges. This adds oxygen and accelerates decomposition.
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Contact
Environment and Building Unit
E-mail: mob@boden.se
Phone: +46 921 620 00