Earth Machine Compost Bin

Composting bins are now available featuring the earth machine. Contact the Recycling and Refuse Department to buy an earth machine. The cost is $26.56 and quantities are limited.


Using an Earth Machine

Follow these simple steps to successfully compost:
  1. Add high carbon and high nitrogen materials.
  2. Mix or layer materials. After every 12 inches or so, add a few shovel fulls of rich soil or compost.
  3. Keep it damp and aerated. Wait a few months, and voila...black gold!
A black and white compost machine.

Examples of Composting Materials


High Carbon Materials (Browns)


  • Chipped brush
  • Fall leaves
  • Pine needles (although pine needles should not make up more than 10% of the total material in the pile)
  • Straw
  • Shredded paper and cardboard (newspaper, paper towels, paper plates, paper bags)
  • Salt marsh hay
  • Sawdust

High Nitrogen Materials (Greens)


  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Eggshells
  • Grass clippings
  • Manure (horse, cow, rabbit, chicken, goat, gerbil, etc.)
  • Seaweed
  • Tea bags
  • Vegetable and fruit wastes
  • Weeds (not laden with seeds)

What Not to Add

For best results, and to keep out odors and pest, do not add:
  • Bones
  • Cooked foods with sauces or butter
  • Dairy products (cheese, butter, milk and eggs)
  • Diseased plants
  • Dog and cat manure
  • Fat
  • Grease
  • Meat
  • Oils
  • Peanut butter
  • Weeds gone to seed
  • Weeds that spread by roots and runners (vines)