Have you ever cleaned out your fridge and found a half-eaten sandwich or forgotten salad decaying in the back corner? Let’s face it, we’ve all been there, and it’s a grim reminder of how much food waste we generate right in our own homes.
The average American family of four throws out $1,500 worth of uneaten food a year. If that wasn’t startling enough, a report from the United Nations Environment Program estimates that 1 billion tons of food is wasted globally every year — that’s roughly 30% of all food produced.
Apart from the guilt of wasting those lovely avocados and your hard-earned dollars, there’s another big issue at hand — our environment. Food waste doesn’t just quietly disappear into some mystical realm. The majority of it ends up in the landfill, where it decomposes and releases methane, a greenhouse gas about 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
Most of us don’t live on farms where we can easily compost waste. What can the city folks, apartment dwellers, and high-rise inhabitants do to help fight against food waste? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with this friendly guide to composting in your apartment.
What Is Composting?
Before we dive into the compost bin (not literally, of course), we need to understand what composting is. Imagine this: You get to transform what’s considered “waste” into rich, nutritious soil. That sounds like a cool party trick, right? But in reality, that’s what composting is.
In 2018, 292.4 million tons of waste was generated from America’s cities and towns. That’s equivalent to each person producing about 4.9 pounds of garbage daily. Sure, we recycle materials like glass, plastic, aluminum, and paper. But what about the stuff we can’t recycle? That’s where composting comes in.
Composting is like nature’s recycling program. It’s all about taking organic waste (food scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, etc.) and turning it into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. And voila, you’ve just lightened your garbage bag and reduced your contribution to the landfill. Plus, you’ve got some great soil for your plants.
There are different types of composting out there, including vermicomposting, Effective Microorganism composting, and Tumbler composting. We’ll explain each one in greater detail so you can find the composting method best for your apartment.
While vermin are parasitic worms or pests that you normally don’t want near your home, worms are the stars of the composting world.
Vermicomposting is all about using worms to do the hard work of breaking down your organic waste, and it’s likely the best option for apartment dwellers. The worms, especially red wigglers, feast on your food scraps, and their “castings” (a polite word for worm poop) is a top-notch soil amendment. Think of it as a small, odorless pet that lives in a box and eats your garbage. Neat, huh?
Next on the list is Effective Microorganism (EMO) Composting. This method involves introducing a group of beneficial microorganisms into the compost pile to accelerate the breakdown of organic material. EMO composting is sort of like throwing a food party for the tiny, invisible critters who love munching on your leftovers.
If you have a bit more space in your apartment or have outdoor access, you may want to look into tumbler composting. A compost tumbler is basically a barrel on a stand. You put in your kitchen scraps, give it a spin, and let nature do the rest.
While you may not be able to whip up a compost pile in your rented living space, there’s no shortage of creative methods to help you become an urban composting wizard.
What Can I Compost?
Not all waste is created equal when it comes to composting. Certain materials are perfect candidates for your compost pile, while others should be left out.
Safe to Compost
First, we’ll talk about the good stuff. These are the items that your compost pile will love:
- Herbivore animal manure
- Brown paper products (think cardboard rolls, cereal boxes)
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Natural fabrics like cotton and wool
- Grass clippings and yard trimmings
- Hair or fur
- Old fruits and vegetables, peels, stale bread, and even corn husks
- Non-glossy junk mail or catalogs (shredded to speed up the process)
- Paper egg cartons and used tea bags
- Cooked rice or pasta
- Wine corks
Remember that composting involves a mix of ‘greens’ (nitrogen-rich materials like food scraps and coffee grounds) and ‘browns’ (carbon-rich materials like dry leaves and shredded paper). Keep your compost pile balanced for the best results.
Unsafe to Compost
The following items should stay out of your compost bin, or else you could be left with a stinky, slow-decomposing mess that could lead to you calling in pest control.
- Meat, seafood, dairy products, and baked goods
- Oily or greasy foods
- Pet or human waste
- Weeds that have gone to seed, onion, and garlic scraps (they can grow or deter the composting process)
- Synthetic fabric, leather goods, and glossy paper (these are not biodegradable)
- Anything treated with pesticides (to keep your compost organic)
- Any non-biodegradable items like plastic, glass, or coated cardboard
Remember that when it comes to composting, what you put in affects what you get out. Feed your compost pile wisely and it’ll reward you with rich, nutrient-filled compost to boost your plants and reduce your waste. For further instructions, you can take a look at our guide: The Top Do’s and Don’ts of Composting
How to DIY Compost
Now that we know what to compost, we’ll provide a guide to compost-making in just five steps. Composting is easier than you might think and doesn’t require a backyard or special equipment.
When it comes to choosing a compost container, you have options. You can buy a fancy store-bought compost bin from an award-winning brand like Bamboozle, known for their odor-free, compact, apartment-friendly designs. Or, if you’re feeling a more DIY approach, an old storage bin or a five-gallon bucket will do the trick. Just make sure to drill some holes for aeration because you’ll be creating a comfy home for decomposers and they need to breathe.
If you’re worried about the “ick” factor and want to keep your actual container clean, consider investing in some BioBags for your collection bucket!
Next up is gathering your composting materials. We’ve already talked about the “greens” and “browns,” so ensure you have a good supply of both. You can start collecting kitchen scraps in a small bin or freeze them in a sealed bag until you’re ready to compost.
You’ll want to find a convenient spot for your compost bin, but also one that’s out of the way. Composting shouldn’t smell bad if done correctly, but it can create a bit of an odor during the process. Consider a balcony, a kitchen corner, or even under the sink if space allows.
A perfect option for your kitchen countertop is the compact Lomi composter!
Begin with a layer of browns at the bottom for aeration and drainage, then add a layer of greens, and top it off with a layer of browns again. This “lasagna-style” layering method helps balance your compost’s carbon and nitrogen levels.
Add water as needed — your compost should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge. And don’t forget those microorganisms need air to work their magic, so leave some space at the top of the bin for airflow.
Composting is nature’s process, so patience is key. It can take anywhere from two to six months for the soil to be ready, depending on the conditions and materials. Give your compost pile a turn or a shake every week to help speed up the process and prevent any funky smells.
How to Use Your Compost
Now that you have fresh, nutrient-rich compost, what do you do with it? There are a few ways you can put your homemade black gold to good use.
Soil Amendment
Compost is an excellent soil amendment. If you have indoor plants, adding a scoop of compost to the potting soil will boost their nutrient. Mix compost into the soil at the beginning of the planting season for your tiny apartment balcony or windowsill herb garden.
Control Weeds
Did you know that compost can also help control weeds? If you have a container garden, a top layer of compost can prevent weed seeds from taking root. Think of it as a natural, eco-friendly weed blocker.
Make Tea (For Your Plants)
Compost tea is not the kind you want to sip. Instead, it’s a potent, nutrient-dense solution to water your plants. Simply steep some compost in water for a few days and then strain it. It’s a gourmet meal for plants that gives them a quick nutrient boost.
Revive Your Lawn
If you’re lucky enough to have access to a lawn or shared green space, sprinkling compost can help revive the grass and make it lush and green. Compost can improve soil structure, increase its ability to hold water, and provide essential nutrients. It’s like a spa treatment for your lawn.
Final Thoughts
Composting in your apartment is a small but impactful step toward sustainability that any of us can take, no matter the size of our living space. Follow this simple guide to composting to reduce your food waste and your carbon footprint, while also giving your plants some extra love along the way.
