158: Bin Around The Block

Listen, it’s called a “garbage CAN” not a “garbage uhhhhh why does it seem to be teeming with little critters?” so let’s get our gloves on and deal with some trash trouble.

Specifically, Andrew’s accidental mulch, my accidental lawn distillery, and the fact that there is something called “Whirly Ball” in the world.

In other news, fall/winter is really the time to compost but like, does that require more effort that just pushing all the leaves into a far corner of the yard and calling it a day? Only kind of! In the interest of spreading awareness (in addition to spreading leafy mush), here are some compost tips that I found on the Sierra Club’s website and I’m going to go ahead and assume that they know what they’re talking about. They say…

Keep piling on more leaves. This is a way to continually feed the compost and introduce new nutrients and materials. A consistent pile of yard debris is A-OK, so long as you’re not getting drunk on the apple mash fumes.

Consider a cover. Covering your compost and/or making it a special home somewhere isn’t required, but “but it can help to expedite decomposition, maintain heat, provide protection from the elements, and promote a healthy compost,” according to the Sierra Club. They say you can also speed up the decomposition by tossing a tarp over the leaves but I’m pretty sure Keith would leave me if I put a tarp-blanket over a pile of decay because nothing says You Are Too Poor To Own A Home like piles covered in tarps.

Your pile is now baby. Seriously, it needs to be sung to and rocked and told that it’s loved. JK, but it does need some attention. “Proper maintenance of the leaf pile will ensure that it progresses into a great pile of compost,” says Sierra Club. “The pile should be moist but not soaked and warm but not hot. So, add water or provide shade if necessary.”

In addition to watering your pile and keeping it warm, you also need to “turn the pile to aerate it and mix it occasionally to encourage all parts to decompose. After a few week, once the pile starts to really break down, add less fresh material to allow it to finish its cycle.”

So now you know. I hope that you and your pile are very happy together.

And finally, of course, there’s Bin Man. Faster than a toter caught in a gully-washer and more efficient than writing “Garbage Day” on your calendar and forgetting to check it, Bin Man is out here in these streets posh islands helping little old ladies get their trash to the curb on time.

Which made us wonder:

  • What service would you throw money at if it meant you never had to think about it?

  • How does one decide to become the Bin Man? Are there several or is it just the one guy?

  • Do they wear capes? I hope so!

  • Do they charge extra if you get harassed by wild turkeys or whatever other kinds of pests might be on BBI?


I would pay my neighbor kids to cut my lawn, clean out my gutters, and turn over my leaf pile. What about you?

Hanna Brooks Olsen