Having your own garden can prove to be very rewarding as there’s nothing like eating something you have grown yourself. Many avid gardeners nowadays have their own compost pile. While this is a great way to recycle waste, how safe is it?
Although composting has numerous benefits, you must know the correct way to handle it. The very nature of compost means that it contains many hazardous pathogens that you do not want to be exposed to. Here are a few tips on staying safe while handling compost:
- Wash your hands immediately after working with compost. Even if you are going to work in another part of the garden, it is still best to clean your hands first.
- Limit direct contact with the compost. When it is necessary to handle the compost, be sure to wear proper clothing, sturdy footwear, a good pair of gloves, and a mask. Remove all these items before entering the house.
- Compost can become a combustible material if it is not stored properly. Store it in a receptacle that allows for a good amount of airflow.
- Perhaps you are aware, that compost has to be broken down by tilling it. If this is something you have to do manually, take care and wear a breathing mask while carrying out the task, as tilling will throw unhealthy spores into the air. You may also want to avoid tilling on days that are windy.
