Ever find a forgotten sandwich or wilted salad lurking in the back of your fridge? We’ve all been there. It’s a stark reminder of how much food waste we generate in our own homes. The average American family of four tosses out $1,500 of uneaten food annually. A U.N. Environment Program report estimates that 1 billion tons of food is wasted globally every year—roughly 30% of all food produced.
But there’s hope! Even if you’re living in a high-rise or a cozy studio, you can make a difference. This guide will show you how to reduce your environmental impact and create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your plants by composting in your apartment.
What Is Composting?
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. The process turns organic waste like food scraps and yard trimmings into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. Think of it as giving new life to what would otherwise end up in a landfill.
In 2018, Americans generated 292.4 million tons of waste, about 4.9 pounds per person daily. We recycle materials like glass and paper, but composting tackles the organic waste that can’t go in the recycling bin.
Types of Composting for Apartments
Several composting methods are suitable for apartment living, including vermicomposting, effective microorganism composting (EMO), and tumbler composting. Here’s how each approach works.
This method uses worms, particularly red wigglers, to break down organic waste. The worms’ castings (a polite term for worm poop) create top-notch soil amendment. It’s like having a tiny, odorless pet that eats your garbage.
Effective Microorganism (EMO) Composting introduces beneficial microorganisms to speed up the breakdown of organic material. It’s like throwing a party for tiny, invisible critters who love munching on your leftovers.
A compost tumbler might be for you if you have more space or outdoor access. It’s essentially a barrel on a stand that you fill with kitchen scraps and spin to mix.
Each method has advantages, and the best choice for you depends on your space, lifestyle, and comfort level with composting.
What Can I Compost?
Not all waste is created equal when it comes to composting. Some materials are compost-friendly, while others should stay out of your bin.
Compostable Waste
Your compost bin will happily accept:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags (remove any staples)
- Eggshells
- Nutshells
- Shredded newspaper
- Cardboard rolls
- Yard trimmings
- Houseplants
- Hair and fur
- Wool and cotton rags
Remember, a good compost mix needs both “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials such as food scraps) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials such as dry leaves and paper).
Uncompostable Waste
Keep these items out of your compost bin:
- Meat, fish, and dairy products
- Fats, grease, lard, or oils
- Pet wastes
- Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
- Coal or charcoal ash
- Diseased or insect-infested plants
- Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
These items can create odors, attract pests, or introduce harmful substances into your compost.
How To DIY Compost in Your Apartment
Ready to start composting? Follow this step-by-step guide:
Your compost container doesn’t need to be fancy. A simple plastic storage bin or a five-gallon bucket will do the trick. Just make sure to drill some holes for aeration. If you’re worried about the mess, use a biodegradable bag to line your bucket.
If you prefer a more specialized solution, compact, odor-free designs (perfect for apartment living) are available from brands like Bamboozle.
Start collecting your compostable materials. Keep a small bin in your kitchen for food scraps, or freeze them until you can add them to your compost bin.
Choose a location for your compost bin that’s out of the way but easily accessible. We recommend a balcony, kitchen corner, or under-sink area. Remember, proper composting shouldn’t smell bad, but keeping it in a well-ventilated area is best.
For your kitchen countertop, we recommend the compact Lomi composter.
Layer your compost materials like a lasagna. Start with a layer of browns at the bottom for aeration, add a layer of greens, and top it off with another layer of browns. This helps balance the carbon and nitrogen levels in your compost.
Keep your compost as damp as a wrung-out sponge. Too dry, and decomposition slows down; too wet, and it might start to smell.
Composting takes time—usually two to six months. Give your compost a turn or shake weekly to aerate it and speed up the process. Doing this will also mitigate any funky smells.
How To Use Your Compost
Once you’ve created your compost, here are some ways to put it to good use.
Soil Amendment
Mix compost into potting soil to give your indoor plants a nutrient boost. It’s like a superfood smoothie for your greenery.
Control Weeds
If you have a container garden on your balcony, add a layer of compost on top of the soil to stop weeds from taking root.
Make Plant Tea
Make “tea” for your plants by steeping some compost in water for a few days and straining it before using the nutrient-dense liquid to water them. It’s like a gourmet meal for your leafy friends.
Share With Community Gardens
If you’re producing more compost than you can use, check if local community gardens or urban farming projects could use your nutrient-rich substrate.
Resources and Tools for Your Composting Journey
Here are some helpful resources and tools to make your composting journey easier and more efficient.
Composter Options
Several brands offer composters designed for apartment living:
- Bamboozle: These composters consist of biodegradable fiber and are both sleek and compact. They fit perfectly in any small space.
- Utopia Kitchen: This stainless steel compost bin is durable, odor-free, and has a replaceable charcoal filter.
- Envirocycle Mini Composting Tumbler: Ideal for balconies and patios, this tumbler composter offers a simple way to mix and aerate your compost.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to ensure composting success:
- Chop your scraps: Smaller pieces break down faster, so chop up large scraps before adding them to your compost bin.
- Balance greens and browns: Always maintain a balanced ratio of greens and browns. Too much of one type can slow the composting process or cause odors.
- Avoid excess moisture: If your compost is too wet, add more brown materials—such as shredded newspaper—to absorb excess moisture.
Benefits Beyond Your Apartment
Composting in your apartment doesn’t just benefit your plants, it also has a positive impact on the broader environment. Here’s how.
Reduce Landfill Waste
Composting kitchen scraps and organic waste diverts a significant amount of waste from landfills. This helps reduce landfill overflows and the issues they cause, such as soil contamination and wildlife disruption.
Lower Methane Emissions
Organic waste in landfills decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) and produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting allows waste to decompose aerobically (with oxygen) and produce carbon dioxide instead of methane. While carbon dioxide is still a greenhouse gas, it is significantly less harmful than methane.
Enhance Urban Green Spaces
Using your compost in community gardens or shared green spaces contributes to urban beautification. Plants in these areas can thrive with the added nutrients from compost, making cities greener and more enjoyable for residents.
Foster Sustainable Practices
Composting often leads people to adopt other sustainable practices. You’ll likely become more conscious of your food purchases, storage methods, and waste production. It’s a gateway habit that can lead to broader environmental stewardship.
Challenges You Might Face
Composting in an apartment offers numerous benefits, but it’s not without challenges. Here are some common hurdles and how to overcome them.
Odor Control
Odor is one of the main concerns. If your compost starts to smell, it’s usually due to an imbalance of greens and browns or excess moisture. Keep the right balance, and add brown materials if it gets too wet.
Pest Prevention
Your compost can attract fruit flies and other pests. Ensure your bin has a tight-fitting lid, and avoid adding overly moist food scraps. You can also use a natural pest control method, such as placing a bowl of vinegar and dish soap near the bin to attract and trap flies.
Space Constraints
Finding a suitable compost bin spot in a small apartment can be tough. We recommend vertical solutions such as stacking bins or a countertop composting unit. Some communities also offer shared composting spaces for apartment dwellers.
Time and Maintenance
Composting requires some time and effort to monitor and maintain. Set reminders to check and turn your compost regularly. We recommend starting with a small batch to get the hang of it before scaling up.
