Okay, so I’ve been trying to be more eco-conscious, and one area I wanted to tackle was my cat’s litter. I’d heard about composting cat litter, and thought, “Why not give it a shot?” It seemed like a good way to reduce waste, but man, it was a bit of a learning curve!
Getting Started
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First, I did some digging around online. It’s not as simple as just dumping the used litter into a compost bin. There’s, you know, the whole poop and pee situation to consider.
I switched my cat over to a biodegradable litter. This is important. I chose a litter that made by natural material. Clay litter is a no-go for composting.
Setting Up the System
I got myself a separate compost bin, just for the cat litter. I’m not mixing this with my regular kitchen scraps, that is for sure! I found a sturdy plastic bin with a lid – got to keep those smells contained.
I started with a layer of “brown” material at the bottom of the bin. I used some dried leaves and shredded newspaper. Then, I added a scoop of the used cat litter (after removing the, ahem, solid waste, of course. I bury that separately, deep in the yard, away from any edible plants). I followed this up with more “brown” material to cover it. It’s all about layering, kind of like making a lasagna, but way less appetizing.
The Waiting Game (and the Turning)
Now, this is where patience comes in. Composting takes time. And the cat litter compost needs even more time because of the whole urine thing. It’s recommended to let it compost for at least two years before using it on anything.
I learned the importance of turning the compost regularly. I use a garden fork to mix it all up, getting some air in there to help with the decomposition. It is smelly.
What I Learned
- It’s doable, but not for the faint of heart. Seriously, dealing with used cat litter is not glamorous.
- Separate bins are key. Keep that cat waste separate from your regular compost.
- Patience is a virtue. This takes a long time to break down properly.
- It reduce waste. It is good for enviroment.
I’m still in the early stages of this, so I can’t tell if the compost will be any good. It is a work to do. But hey, I’m trying something new, reducing my waste footprint, and learning a lot along the way.
