Lake Region Solid Waste Authority
Serving Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Miami, Osage, and Shawnee Counties
Composting
What is Composting?
Composting is the natural, managed decomposition of organic waste—like food scraps and yard trimmings—into nutrient-rich, dark fertilizer, often called "black gold" or humus. It speeds up nature's recycling process by using oxygen and microorganisms to convert waste into valuable soil amendment for gardens and agriculture.
An average resident produces 102 tons of garbage in a lifetime, with up to 60% being compostable, offering a major opportunity to support local sustainable agriculture. Environmental benefits include reducing methane in landfills, improving soil health, and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
NOT Compostable
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Plastic bags
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Meat or fish
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Dairy products
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Grease, fats, or oil
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Pet waste (dog/cat)
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Diseased plants
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Weeds that have gone to see
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Treated lumber
Compostable Materials
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Fruit and vegetable scraps
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Coffee grounds and filters
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Yard waste
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Leaves
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Grass clippings
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Shredded paper/cardboard
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Eggshells
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Untreated wood chips
How Composting is Done
Composting involves creating an environment where microorganisms can thrive.
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Choose a spot in your yard, or use a container for smaller spaces or indoor vermicomposting.
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According to K-State Research and Extension, you should layer compost like lasagna: alternating "greens" (kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, green grass) with "browns" (dry leaves, shredded paper, cardboard) and a layer of soil.
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Add Moisture as necessary. The pile should be damp, like a wrung-out sponge.
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Periodically turn or mix the pile to introduce oxygen, which speeds up decomposition and prevents odor.
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Over several months, microbes break down the material into compost.
Management
Composting facilities in Kansas require either a registration or permit depending on the size of the facility. Sites under 1/2 acre in composting area are required to register with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, while those sites that are 1/2 acre and over in composting area must obtain a permit.
Within the Lake Region backyard composting is highly encouraged for county residents. A few of the member counties and associated cities offer residents additional options for composting yard waste (grass clipping, leaves, plants). Details are available on the county pages: Coffey, Franklin, Linn, and Shawnee County.
Kansas Composting Fun Facts
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Instead of bagging, mowing grass clippings back onto the lawn (grasscycling) returns up to 25% of the lawn's fertilizer needs back to the soil.
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Commercial composting facilities in the KC area, like KC Can Compost, can safely break down greasy pizza boxes, meat, bones, and even dairy.
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A head of lettuce takes 25 years to break down in a landfill, but only a few weeks in a managed, high-temperature compost pile.
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Active compost piles in Kansas often heat up to 140 degrees - even in the winter - due to microbial activity.
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Because of the agriculture industry, manure is an excellent, nutrient-rich, and common addition to Kansas compost piles.
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Compost is the ultimate fix for Kansas’ dense red clay soil, improving structure, reducing compaction, and helping soil hold water.