While composting has many benefits and is great for the environment, there are also some hazards associated with it. So, if you are new to composting, here are a few ways to do it safely and successfully:
Regular hand washing is always emphasized as one of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease. Because compost produces dangerous pathogens, you should always wash your hands immediately after handling it, even if you are just carrying on with another form of gardening.
When handling compost wear a good pair of protective gloves, and protective clothing to limit your exposure to it, and be sure to take off these items before entering the house to prevent spreading pathogens throughout your living space.
As you are probably aware, compost must be tilled in order to break it down. If you are doing this manually, be sure to wear a face mask that prevents you from inhaling any unhealthy spores that are being thrown into the air. Avoid the tilling process altogether on windy days.
Compost can become a combustible material if stored incorrectly. Always keep your compost in a container that provides a good flow of air.
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