What is considered litter?

[witeowl]

Not to hijack the thread, but can you ladies recommend a good compost system? I'd like to start one. I may have to move it later. Portable would be good.

I made a trash can composter. Well, three, actually, but I started with one. I have more-but-smaller holes in my trash can(s) and have set them up on cinder blocks to deter ants (dunno how the blocks work, but they do).

When I want to do a simple mix, I throw the can on its side and roll it around. When I have time for a better mix, I take a little garden fork and mix it around better (typically by dumping it into a wheelbarrow, stirring, and shoveling it back).

The benefit of three cans is that I only add material to the newest can, so the other two can sit and rot (and be stirred occasionally.) I'll sift compost out of the oldest can, dump anything not fully composted into the middle can, and then the newly-emptied barrel will become my newest compost bin. (Did that make sense?)

Anyway, as you can tell, I'm passionate about composting, so I'm happy to answer any questions you have.

Ooh, back on topic!

Regarding Mr. Silver's three-point rule: Even if it's natural, rots quickly, and doesn't create a hazard, I wouldn't toss it. Think about what would happen if everyone threw their apple cores in the gutter during summer. Ew. So if I don't want all my neighbors doing it, I can't do it.