Using the Composted Materials

It takes several weeks for the yard waste to decompose and form compost. Because Great Bend is just beginning a composting program, we need to collect the yard waste and process it before we will actually have a usable product. As the yard waste is changed to compost, we will notify citizens when the compost is available. We plan to have a site near the collection area where you can pick up the compost. Individuals will need to bring their own containers to haul the compost. Compost will enrich soil with nutrients and help sandy soils retain moisture. It can also be used with potting soil for container-grown plants and to mulch around landscape plants.

What is Composting?
Why is it Important?

Composting is nature’s own recycling program! In forests and meadows, tree leaves and other organic material form a carpet over the soil surface. In time, naturally occurring organisms break down this layer creating compost which then replenishes and enriches the soil.

Likewise, municipal composting uses leaves, grass and other organic materials to create compost. There are two primary benefits of municipal composting. First, composting is a way to manage a significant amount of solid waste which otherwise would go to our county landfill. We are rapidly running out of space at our landfill, and since yard waste makes up approximately 20% of the waste stream, disposing of these materials elsewhere makes good sense. The second benefit is the compost, which is the by-product of this process. Compost is a rich, crumbly humus which can be used as a soil conditioner and is especially beneficial to gardens.

In municipal composting, yard waste is collected and deposited into windrows. These windrows are long piles that are turned frequently to provide aeration, mix the materials, control the temperature and redistribute moisture. This turning is accomplished by using a specially designed windrow turning machine. This process produces a high quality product.

Participating in Composting

The City of Great Bend has started a composting program for our citizens. Our composting site is located one-half mile west of Washington and one-fourth mile south of Railroad Avenue on SW 5 Avenue. This is the location of the old city burn site. A collection area has been developed at the site and is clearly marked with signs specifying where you should deposit each type of yard waste.

Composting Site Availability

The collection area is open to the public 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Our goal is to make composting as convenient as possible for everyone wishing to participate.

Approved Materials