Digging pits in your backyard to deal with domestic waste (that is, household composting or landfill) requires careful operation to avoid environmental pollution, health risks or legal issues. The following are the key steps and recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and safety compliance： --- ### **1. Clear goals and limitations** -**Compost vs. Landfill**： -**Composting**Suitable for organic waste (food waste, plant residues), can be converted into fertilizer, high efficiency and environmental protection. - **Landfill**Non-organic waste (plastics, metals, etc.) may be illegal and pollute the environment. It is not recommended to dispose of it by yourself. -**Legal restrictions**： Many areas prohibit household landfill waste (especially non-organic waste), so you need to consult your local environmental protection department first. --- ### **2. Site selection and design** -**Location selection**： -Stay away from water sources (at least 30 meters), house foundations, and trees (the root system may damage the pit body). -The terrain is high to avoid leakage caused by rainwater accumulation. -**Pit body design**： -**Size**: According to the design of the amount of garbage, it is recommended to have a depth of 1-1.5 meters and a width of 1-2 meters (the conference will increase the difficulty of management). -**Anti-seepage measures**: If you landfill non-degradable materials, you need to lay an anti-seepage film (HDPE material) and cover the clay layer, but the cost is high and it is not recommended. --- ### **3. Efficient composting treatment (recommended plan)** If you only deal with organic waste, it is more efficient and environmentally friendly to use **composting pits**： -**Layered composting method**： 1. **Bottom layer**: Spread branches or thick stalks (10-15cm) to promote ventilation. 2. **Middle layer**: Alternately stack food waste (vegetable peels, etc.) and dry materials (fallen leaves, cardboard) in a ratio of 1:2. 3. **Top layer**: Cover soil or hay (reduce odors and mosquitoes). -**Accelerated decomposition skills**： -Flip regularly (once every 2 weeks) to increase oxygen. -Add EM bacteria or mature compost as a leavening agent. -Maintain humidity (like a wrung sponge). --- ### **4. Avoid common problems** -**Odors and pests**： -Avoid adding meat, fat, and dairy products (perishable and insect-attracting). -Cover with lime or charcoal powder to neutralize acidity. -**Leachate pollution**： -The bottom of the compost pit can be covered with sawdust to absorb liquid, or an inclined surface can be designed for drainage and collection. --- ### **5. Cost and time optimization** -**Tool selection**： -Small excavators (such as renting) are more time-saving than manual digging, but the cost needs to be evaluated. -Use old barrels or wooden boxes as temporary composting containers (suitable for a small amount of garbage). -**Time management**： -The composting cycle is usually 3-6 months, and the high-temperature composting (turning regularly) can be shortened to 1-2 months. --- ### **6. Alternative (more efficient and environmentally friendly)** -**Community composting program**: Some communities provide shared composting sites at a lower cost. -**Municipal recycling**: Sorting and recycling biodegradable garbage may be more economical than self-digging pits (especially when the processing capacity is large). --- ###**Important reminder** -**Non-organic waste** (plastics, batteries, etc.) must be disposed of through formal channels. Landfills will pollute soil and groundwater and may face fines. -**Long-term effects**: Frequent landfills may change the soil structure and affect backyard planting or house stability. If your goal is to save costs, it is recommended to give priority to the use of **composting method to treat organic waste + other garbage sorting and recycling**, which can not only reduce costs, but also meet environmental protection requirements.