Latest news with #compost
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Pedro Pascal sparks frenzy after he was seen dumping his drink after a gym session
was seen dumping out a mystery liquid following a gym session in Los Angeles, on Friday. The actor poured out what was left inside a paper cup next to nearby plants. While it appeared to be black coffee, some social media users debated the topic on X. One wrote: 'It looks like a black coffee, I don't blame him for tossing it onto the plants. Black coffee has a rather bitter taste if it's not made from high quality coffee beans. I drink A LOT of coffee.' Another typed: 'Also yes idk if it's coffee or a protein shake cause I haven't ever had either so forgive me if I'm wrong. Either way it's funny.' 'Maybe he's pouring the grounds into the planter to compost,' a fan suggested, while one replied with, 'It's a lot of liquid he pours out'. An X user shared, 'Pedro P: Life is too short to drink bad coffee,' and another added, 'Is it a mocha or a shake? I don't trust either.' 'How do you know it's not a cup of gravy?' one humorously questioned, while a fan also wrote, 'My only question to that barista. Baby what did he order cause the coffee look wrong.' Another said: 'Maybe a bug fell into it,' while others imagined how they would feel if they had been the barista that made a drink Pascal dumped out. 'I'd hang up my apron for good,' one commented, and another replied with, 'I'd give up on making or drinking it.' A social media user wrote: 'I'd have ptsd every time I'd see a coffee again,' and the individual who posted the snaps added, 'Imagine being the person who made the Pedro Pascal's coffee at work today to come online after your shift to see this.' Pascal is preparing for the release of his upcoming superhero movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps - which hits theaters on July 25. The premise of the Marvel movie is: 'Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer,' per IMDB. The actor recently attended the premiere in Sydney on Tuesday. Pascal took on the role of Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in the project that was directed by Matt Shakman. During a recent interview with Empire, the star admitted that he initially wasn't sure if he would be able to properly portray the character. 'I wasn't skeptical at all of this as a piece… But I was skeptical over [Shakman's] choice to cast me,' he revealed to the outlet. 'I was questioning if I would serve it as best as it was meant to be served - to convincing as an astrophysicist, as a father, a husband.' However, while deciding on the part, Pedro recalled crossing paths with the director in NYC and stated: 'I definitely think it was destiny.' He further reflected on stepping into the MCU and dealing with the pressure to play Mister Fantastic in the superhero movie, per Collider. 'Each time you step into one, and you feel like this can't be scarier, you find out, oh this is scarier.' Pedro added: 'Going into Games Of Thrones, going into DC, going into Star Wars, and then the entire gaming world that introduced itself like an atom bomb to me. 'And in the best way, because I learned very, very quickly the incredible medium of storytelling that's happening within gaming.'
Telegraph
5 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
The best garden shredders for making mulch and compost
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We will earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. If you have a large or overgrown garden, it's worth making space for a garden shredder. Transforming clippings into chippings speeds up composting, as the smaller matter breaks down more easily. Shredded waste also makes excellent mulch, which keeps beds tidy and reduces the load on your green-waste bin, potentially saving you a few trips to the tip. Shredders range from £90 to £340, but using one for compost or mulch can save money in the long run. We tested leading models – including Stihl, Draper and Bosch – on a working flower farm. As a florist, I have a constant supply of branches and stems, making it easy to test these machines thoroughly and look for any useful design features. All testing took place in June 2025 and we update this guide regularly. Here are the best in a quick list. The best garden shredders: At a glance How to choose the best garden shredder From their specifications alone, it can be hard to judge one garden waste shredder from another. So, we tested nine from market-leading brands to help guide your choice. All are electric impact shredders, operating either through mains power or a battery. Revolving blades chop as the cuttings pass through. We have avoided heavy-duty garden or roller shredders designed for branches and timber. These models pull in branches and crush them against a blade. They tend to be larger and more expensive. Taking that into account, these are the other factors to consider: Power supply: Your garden size matters but more critical is access to an outdoor power outlet or an extension lead. No power nearby? Battery power is probably more practical. Ease of assembly and use: Simple instructions and clear parts make a big difference. Materials: Consider what you'll be shredding. Some models suit dry steams, other hands fibrous waste better. Noise levels: Weigh up whether you want a quieter, more neighbour-friendly shredder, or one that prioritises power. Similar in volume to a lawn mower, the shredders below ranged from 60 to 90 dB, meaning they can all be considered 'quiet garden shredders'. Dimensions: Double-check the dimensions. If shed or garage space is limited, compact models are worth prioritising. How we test garden shredders As a flower-grower and a florist, I regularly deal with garden waste, from cut stems to woody branches, making it easy to test garden shredders in real-world conditions. I gathered a typical mix of foliage and stems from my flower plot and workshop, avoiding large timber or very leafy, wet material. I tested each shredder using safety goggles, gloves and secateurs (useful for trimming thicker stems before shredding). I then scored each one using a consistent set of criteria. Here is what I considered: Set up: Was it complex, did it take long and were all instructions clear? Ease of use and safety: Could I load it easily, start and stop it quickly and clear blockages without fuss? I noted safety locks and stability issues. Design: I looked at shredder type, noise level (in decibels), overall portability and special features. Shredding performance: I judged how effectively and quickly the shredder worked on a variety of materials, looking for any blocking or jamming and evenly shredded plant material at the end. Maintenance and quality: I assessed whether the shredder was easy to clean and if it felt like it would last well if maintained. I also looked at how easy blades were to change, and factored in any warranties. Note, in the key specifications, the height measurements include when the paddle is inserted into the upper hopper. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best gardening product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best garden shredders of 2025 1. Best Buy Garden Shredder: Hyundai 3000W Garden Shredder As its name suggests, Hyundai's garden shredder has 3000W of power, making it a bit of a beast – and it sounds like it, too. Luckily, although it's loud when running, the 95dB volume barely increases once you start shredding, so it's not overly anti-social when in use. It was easy to put together and has minimal knobs and buttons. There's a single red power button and a simple, clearly marked locking dial for accessing the blades. While there is no visible overheat fuse, the Hyundai has overload protection which means it will automatically cut out should the motor get too hot. The motor's size means this should be unlikely though, it can handle some grunt work. The heavy duty collection box is capacious at 50 litres, saving you on trips to the compost heap. Other great features include a 10-metre power lead, which is longer than all of the other models on test aside from the Stihl, and brackets on either side of the hopper to hold the paddle when it's not in use. There are few downsides to the Hyundai, and when you factor in its affordable price, it's even more impressive. There's a three-year guarantee, too. Key specifications Suitable for: Shredding fibrous or woody garden waste (with stems up to 45mm diameter) Type: Electric garden shredder Power source: Mains electricity Collection capacity: 50l Volume: 95dB Weight: 12.98kg Dimensions: H 105cm, D 56cm, W 44.5cm 2. Best Value Garden Shredder: LawnMaster Garden Shredder FD2402 2400W The LawnMaster garden shredder has several design features that make it stand out from the rest, despite being a low-cost, bagged shredder. You need your own Phillips screwdriver for assembly (there is not one included) but it comes with a pair of safety goggles and a neatly stowed hex key for changing the double-sided carbon steel blade. You get a spare blade and each one is reversible. So, in some ways, you get four blades for the price of one. It also has a sturdy on-off dial, rather than a button with protective cover, and a top casing that comes off completely, rather than hinging, giving unhindered access when you want to brush the blades clean. Large wheels stabilise the LawnMaster garden shredder, when both moving and using it, and its three-metre lead is adequate. The main handle is rugged, with distinct plastic ridges, so it's easy to grip when relocating is required. It seems unfair to mark it down on its flimsy collection bag, which holds 50 litres, but it's one of the few down-sides. Consider LawnMaster's Quiet Garden Shredder if you'd like a slightly more heavy-duty shredder with a sturdy plastic collection chamber. Our lightweight test model thoroughly chopped the materials we shredded though and was relatively quiet – at 80 decibels when running but not in use. Noise levels did not increase dramatically when cutting. Key specifications 3. Best Garden Shredder for Composting: Bosch AXT Rapid 2200W Despite being the only garden shredder that required a hammer to put it together (to knock the caps onto either end of the axel) overall it was a simple process. While I wouldn't expect a hammer to be supplied, I would have liked a collection bag to be included. Instead, you have to buy one of the 60-litre bags separately (£22) . The AXT Rapid 2200W has a single, chunky red dial to turn it on and off and, initially, it seemed reluctant to start. However, this was simply user error; as an added safety feature, the dial needs to be clicked 'on' twice to work. Once running, it is easy to introduce stems, with a wide feed chute and soft, rubbery teeth that feed them through and let nothing nasty (like splinters) back out. It cuts up to a diameter of 40mm and didn't labour when I tested it on a variety of stems, including sticks approaching the maximum diameter. When running I recorded a volume of just over 81dB, which did not increase significantly when cutting. Its four-metre, red power lead was skinnier than some of the other shredders on test and came with an old-fashioned removable plug rather than a moulded one. But these are small gripes. A replacement, branded, blade is costlier than many competitors' (RRP £47), but given Bosch's reputation for durability, I'd hope it wouldn't need replacing too often. Only a longer test will tell. Key specifications Suitable for: Shredding leafy green garden waste (such as hedge cuttings and woody stems up to 40mm) Type: Blade shredder Power source: Mains electricity Collection capacity: 60l Volume: 81dB Weight: 12.1kg Dimensions: H 103cm, D 45.1cm, W 49.3cm 4. Best Garden Shredder for Stability and Easy Storage: Draper 230V Rapid Garden Shredder This is a well-designed and well-made workhorse that's functional, too. It comes with a dual-purpose hex key rather than spanner as stated in the manual – but that's all that's required to put the impact shredder together. A heavy-duty collection box, rather than a bag, is an instant plus-point. As are its supporting legs, which swivel round 180 degrees for easy storage have splayed plastic feet for added stability in use. At 14kg, it's a touch heavier than some of the other models on test but not unduly so and it's a reasonable pay-off given its sturdiness. It's also noisier than some other models, at 93dB when running. Technically, the feed chute has a hopper, but I'd barely call it one because of its small size. However, it is easy to push stems and woody materials through the generous slot and pliable rubber teeth using the plunger. Its 2500W motor and twin blades were also more than adequate for cutting dried and fresh flower stems and woodier materials, creating a fine mulch. You don't get a spare blade, but it's easily removable and reversible, using the aforementioned hex key. Draper also offers a one-year warranty for labour and two-year warranty for parts, making it a good value buy. Key specifications 5. Best Garden Shredder for Portability: Einhell Redaxxo Expert 36/25 While this shredder isn't suitable for woody stems over 25mm in diameter, this is a neat, stable and highly portable bit of kit that did a nice job on all other materials. It stood out for its fine mulch and fuss-free performance that was quiet even when processing. Unlike most other models on test, it has three reversible blades, which worked a treat, cutting stems without wrist-jarring vibrations, just an efficient buzz. Its Power X-Change battery system is compatible with Einhell's other garden tools, whether you're looking for a cordless electric lawn mower, pressure washer, leaf blower or hedge trimmer. This takes some of the sting out of the fact that the batteries and charger will cost you about £80. Handy features include a convenient holder for the 'tamper' or paddle as well as wide brackets to hold the 55-litre collection bag. I wouldn't describe the hopper opening as 'large' as per Einhell's website – but it is adequate and prevents the introduction of oversized material. It comes with a two-year guarantee. Key specifications Suitable for: Shredding hedge clippings, shrub residues, leaves or branches up to 25mm Type: Cordless knife shredder Power source: Battery (2 x 18V batteries) Collection capacity: 55l Volume: 76dB Weight: 10.7kg Dimensions: H 98.5cm, D 55.8cm, W 44cm 6. Best Garden Shredder for Large, Detachable Hopper: Webb Electric 2500W Impact Shredder The Webb impact shredder bodes well from its unboxing, coming with quality tools and a sturdy metal chassis. Construction takes a touch longer than with some of the other shredders, and fitting the rim on the hopper was fiddly. The latter is removable though, which is a useful feature for storage and allows for more flexible use, depending on what you are shredding. I liked the colour-coded red and green 'on' and 'off' buttons which are a handy visual prompt in an emergency. It runs at around 90 decibels and the 2500W motor and twin blades produce a fine mulch. It didn't struggle with larger woody stems either; according to the manufacturer, it can handle up to 45mm branches and my tests were close to this limit. The shredder has a fairly standard three-meter power lead. Overall, it's a well-made machine with an impressive three-year warranty. But there's one issue that really lets it down; the compatibility of the input chute and the plunger. The plunger is poker-shaped while the input slot consists of two round holes with a narrow section in-between. Material gets stuck between the two holes and there is no way to push it through. Most of the other shredders have paddle-shaped plungers, and this would solve the problem. Key specifications Suitable for: Shredding general garden waste and woody stems (up to 45mm diameter) Type: Electric impact shredder Power source: Mains electricity Collection capacity: 40l Volume on test: 90dB Weight: 16.8kg Dimensions: H 108cm, D 49.5cm, W 36cm 7. Best Budget Garden Shredder: MacAllister MIS2400 Corded Impact Shredder Considering its low cost, the MacAllister MIS2400 Corded Impact Shredder does a thorough job processing general, mixed garden waste though woodier stems made the whole machine wobble. Despite sounding like an over-sized hairdryer, it managed to chip branches of around 25mm and is said to be capable of chipping stems up to 40mm – though I didn't feel comfortable pushing it to the max. The power switch is a single ergonomic dial and the neighbouring dial, for opening and closing the upper casing, is equally robust. As per all shredders on test, a safety key ensures that the motor will not run if the shredder's outer casing is not closed securely. Its single, reversible blade is also simple to remove with a hex key, which comes stowed inside the machine. The MacAllister's design is not radical; a larger upper hopper to hold leaves and lightweight trimmings would have been helpful, for example. Especially as the latter is what this machine is most suited to. Other gripes include the short, black power lead which is harder to see than many. Most other machines I tried have either an orange or red one. These are relatively minor though, so the lack of serious gripes make this a decent budget shredder. Key specifications 8. Best Garden Shredder for Chipping: Stihl GHE 105 Electric Chipper Shredder The Stihl arrived ready assembled but, judging by the manual and by taking it apart again, note any reassembly is a touch more time-consuming than other models. You have to attach the discharge flap, for example. For the price, I'd expect a collection box or bag to be included too, but instead it is an optional extra. The shredder is designed for approximately 90 per cent woody material of up to 35mm and 10 per cent green waste and cuts woody stems of up to 35mm. Given that chipping is its forte, it's perhaps surprising that this is the second lowest maximum diameter of the shredders on test. There's a cloverleaf opening for small branches and twigs, alongside a rectangular chute for leafy matter, while the opening of the feed chute is shielded by a single rubbery flap. When this flap is pushed aside, by a woody stem for example, chips and shredded materials fly back out of the feed chute. It is also necessary to push branches onto the blade (with some force) rather than simply letting them be pulled in. There's a reversible chipping blade that can be turned over when blunt using a large, flat-headed screwdriver, and another blade dedicated to shredding leafy material. Stihl has an extensive network of approved dealers, so assistance is generally close at hand if you need to take advantage of the two-year warranty. Key specifications Suitable for: Shredding branches (up to 35mm in diameter), hedge and flower clippings Type: Electric garden shredder / chipper Power source: Mains electricity Collection capacity: 50l (collection box is optional extra) Volume: 71dB Weight: 20kg (without cable) Dimensions: H 97cm, D 77cm, W 48cm 9. Best Lightweight Garden Shredder: Hawksmoor Electric Cutting Shredder 2500W This lightweight garden shredder, available from Toolstation, was surprisingly capable despite its diminutive stature and budget price tag. It was simple to put together with just the provided hex key. The shredder was a little unstable and top-heavy when being moved around the garden; its narrow base and relatively small wheels mean it's important to find a flat surface on which to work. Make sure that the collection bag doesn't obstruct the motor vent, too. In our volume test, we recorded 102dB when the shredder was running but not processing, making it one of the noisiest models tried. It coped well with waste, however, shredding a mix of materials into a fine mulch. The relatively tight feeding funnel – containing rigid rubber 'teeth' – made pushing it through harder than it needed to be. But once the stems reached the cutting blades, they were effective. Getting inside the shredder to change or clear the blades is easy and just requires the turn of an orange dial to open the upper casing. There are two blades, each of which require a hex key for unscrewing, and a smooth chamber which is easily brushed clean. The garden shredder comes with a two-year guarantee. Currently, it is out of stock online, but it is worth checking with your local Toolstation, and we will keep this review updated. Key specifications Suitable for: Shredding hedge trimmings, twigs, leaves and small branches (up to 45mm diameter) Type: Electric cutting shredder Power source: Mains electricity Collection capacity: 60l Volume on test: 102dB Weight: 8.9kg Dimensions: H 105cm, D 47cm, W 37cm Garden shredder FAQs
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas City launches innovative food waste recycling program
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced a new partnership Wednesday with Mill to revolutionize food waste disposal in the city. The partnership introduces a device that grinds and dehydrates food scraps, significantly reducing their size and weight by removing 80% of the water content. This initiative aims to make food waste management more efficient and environmentally friendly. View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4 'We're here because nobody likes food waste, but also no one likes to deal with food waste,' said Lou Pieh, with Mill. 'We want to make it easier for people to keep food scraps out of the landfill.' Missouri Organics will play a crucial role in this initiative by taking the dehydrated food grounds and turning them into finished compost. This process not only reduces landfill waste but also creates a valuable product for gardening and landscaping. The ultimate goal of the partnership is to have a food recycler in every Kansas City household, promoting widespread adoption of sustainable waste management practices. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV This partnership between Kansas City and Mill is expected to transform how residents handle food waste, contributing to a more sustainable future for the city. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WDAF. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WDAF staff before being published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Do you know what can and can't go in the green bin?
Organic materials are put into a compostable bag for the green bin program. Do you know what can and what can't go into the green organics bin? The City of Barrie says unacceptable items are often found in the organics waste stream after curbside collection, including diapers, personal hygiene products and plastics. 'The City is seeing an increase in plastic being put in the organics waste stream collected curbside,' the City stated. Residents using container liners must use certified compostable bags, paper bags or newspaper, not plastic bags. "Even plastic bags labelled as biodegradable, degradable, or oxo degradable do not break down in the municipal composting process and are not accepted in Barrie's organics program," the City explained. As for what can go into the green bin, here's a list of acceptable items: All food scraps and leftovers, including bones Coffee grounds and filters, tea bags Cooking oils and grease Soiled pizza boxes Fast food drink trays Hair (including from pets) Pet waste and plant-based kitty litter Small animal bedding Dried flowers Eggs and egg shells House plants Microwave popcorn bags Paper egg cartons, paper cups, paper plates Napkins and tissues Popsicle sticks, wooden toothpicks Pumpkins Wood wine corks, cooled wood ashes Items that should not be tossed into the organics bin include: Diapers and hygiene products Plastic bags, wrap or containers Plastic bags labelled as biodegradable Sod, soil or rocks Yard waste Dryer lint Bandages, gauze Styrofoam Textiles Vacuum bags and contents Dead animals Ceramics Drinking straws Construction or demolition waste, treated wood Green bins are collected weekly. In September, the City will transition to a new automated cart collection service that includes new waste and organics bins. Residents can get a kitchen catcher or curbside organics bin for free by contacting
The Guardian
6 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
How to turn fruit and veg scraps into a delicious cake – recipe
To celebrate 10 years of writing for the Guardian and seven years of this column, I thought it would be fitting to bake a cake inspired by where Waste Not began: my food compost bin. I looked through the fridge and raw compost bin, and found some squash, carrots, apples, cucumber ends, a knob of ginger and a woody stick of lemongrass; I even considered a red cabbage leaf, but decided that brassicas are best kept out of the baking tin. The compost bin is more than a place for leftovers, it's a source of inspiration, as well as a way to reflect on what we waste; it can even guide us towards cooking more resourcefully and creatively. This is a fun riff on the classic carrot or courgette cake, designed to use up scraps of sweet fruit and veg. Be inventive but discerning with what you include, so think beetroot, squash, apple or citrus zest, and leave the garlic and red onion for another day. If you keep a raw-ingredient compost bin (we use a council-issued one), you can even pick through it for potential ingredients; if not, next time you cook, identify the scraps you could incorporate into this cake, so turning them into something delicious. I normally make this cake with extra-virgin olive oil or sunflower oil, but on this occasion I used leftover plant-based spreads from testing supermarket 'butters' for the food filter column. This recipe makes a large, moist cake that needs a good-sized pan and takes longer to cook than you might think. For the cake300g fruit and vegetable scraps (eg, beetroot peelings, apple cores, squash ends)300g oil, or plant-based spread3 eggs 300g wholemeal plain flour, fine milled ideally200g unrefined sugar 3 tsp baking powder For the coconut icing (optional)1 can full-fat coconut milk, chilled for at least 10 hours1 tsp vanilla extract 65g icing sugar, sifted Finely grated zest of ½ orange, lemon or lime, plus a little extra to finish (optional)1–2 tbsp cornflour, or arrowroot powder (optional; this will make a firmer icing)Mixed seeds and chopped nuts, to top (optional)Rose petals, to top (optional) Start by making the icing. Open the can of chilled coconut milk and scoop just the solidified thick cream into a bowl, leaving the coconut water behind. Add the vanilla extract, icing sugar and, if using, the citrus zest and cornflour, whip until light and fluffy, then cover and put in the fridge. Heat the oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6. Put your chosen fruit and veg scraps in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the oil, eggs, flour, sugar and baking powder, and blend again until just combined. Scrape the batter into a greased and lined cake tin, then bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for five minutes, then turn out on to a rack. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the icing over the top, then scatter with seeds, chopped nuts, rose petals or/and extra grated citrus zest, if you like.
