The disposing of food requires just as much attention to hygiene standards as food preparation. Many of us casually assume that once the perishable item has been placed in the bin we can forget about it. Hygiene practice extends beyond disposing of food however, and we should focus on ensuring that germs, bacteria and toxins do not get an opportunity to affect our health.
Kitchen Composting
Maintaining good kitchen hygiene standards is vital to your health. If you do not clean kitchen surfaces, for instance, you can easily contaminate uncooked food. Being lapse with hygiene in the kitchen also presents the opportunity of mold and mildew growth. Understanding the importance of being hygiene aware is a key requirement when composting at home, particularly if you choose to compost in the kitchen and not outside in the garden.
Composting is nature’s way of recycling organic matter like fruit and vegetables and should be environmentally encouraged as much as possible.
How to Compost Safely
For kitchen waste it is best to keep a large container with a lid and handle under the sink. Chop up any food peelings, waste and leftovers and place in the container. Do not add any meat, fish scraps or bones or dairy products to the compost as this will attract pests and insects. Banana skins, orange peel and peach skin may also contain pesticide residue so is best not added to the remains you are composting. Egg shells, fruit and vegetable peelings, tea leaves and coffee grounds can all be safely added.
A static composting container must be aerated regularly. This can be done easily by mixing up the waste content, so that the pile of food scraps receives oxygen and can break down effectively.
The prevention of contamination should be your main priority at all times, when dealing with food items whether this is fresh perishable food or leftovers and waste. Emptying your indoor compost bin/container regularly is recommended. Ensuring you wash your hands thoroughly after handling any food waste is essential practice. Making sure that the area around the compost container is clean and germ-free at all times is also important.
Composting Benefits
Food recycling, by means of composting, reduces around 30% of household waste from your garbage can or bin. This is good for the environment because it reduces landfill waste and the end result provides a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers, as the compost can be used to enrich soil.
Combating Nasty Smells
A purpose made Compost Keeper is specially designed to store compostible items like egg shells, fruit and vegetable peel and coffee grinds safely and hygienically. This type of kitchen compost keeper is widely available and can be easily purchased. Kitchen waste can be stored securely without the worry of attracting pests and insects, and the charcoal filter will keep odours at bay. Placing newspaper in amongst your kitchen waste will further lessen the unpleasant odour of decomposing food. The carbon in the newspaper offsets the nitrogen in the compost and creates ventilation, so that nasty smells are reduced.