Collection and preparation of composting material Collecting and sorting systematically enables you to process a wide range of starting materials efficiently, using a  garden shredder. Simple collection containers are invaluable. Collect branch material separately from clean, soft plant trimmings and cover to protect from rain. Separate dirty, damp material (containing earth or roots) from “clean, dry” material. Materials that are ideal for composting are: All organic, decomposable material from the garden and home such as green waste, harvesting leftovers, flowers, shrubs, grass cuttings, leaves, cuttings from trees, bushes and hedges, balcony plants, house plants, kitchen scraps (fruit and vegetables), tea, coffee, eggs, limited amounts of wood shavings or sawdust. Not recommended for composting are  Weeds with a lot of seeds or roots, diseased plants. Paper and cardboard. Totally unsuitable are: All metallic materials, glass, plastics. The correctness of the composition of the starting material determines the speed of the decomposition process and the quality of the compost. For conversion purposes, the micro-organisms require one part nitrogen (N) to every 25 parts carbon (C). The nitrogen comes from the green substances, i.e. grass cuttings, flowers, leaves and vegetables. The carbon is derived from the wood-content, from trees, hedges and bush cuttings. Preparation of Organic waste with garden shredders Coarse material such as twigs branches and flowering shrubs is shredded using  a garden shredder. Plant trimmings are torn up, and the sur face area is increased and can easily be attacked by microbes and other decomposition agents. This promotes decomposition. A  garden shredder makes easy work of shredding coarse, bulky, tough, soft, hard and fibrous material. Passing shredded material through repeatedly provides for optimal mixing, aeration and re-shredding. The starting material is prepared, mixed and structured so well, that there is no need to turn it over later for a better supply of oxygen.