How to Compost in an Apartment
- Lauren Click
- Aug 11, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 21, 2024
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to miss out on composting. With the right techniques and tools, you can manage food scraps effectively, even in a small space. This guide will walk you through the basics of apartment composting and offer five practical options—both onsite and offsite—to suit your needs.
Understanding Composting
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, like food scraps and yard waste, into a rich soil amendment. This process reduces waste and creates a nutrient-dense material that can enhance soil health. In an apartment setting, composting can be adapted to fit smaller spaces and different living conditions.
Key Terms
Compost: Decomposed organic matter used as a soil conditioner.
Aerobic Composting: Composting with oxygen, using microorganisms that require air.
Anaerobic Composting: Composting without oxygen, often producing unpleasant odors.
Vermicomposting: Composting using worms to break down organic material.
Onsite Composting Options
Countertop Compost Bins
What It Is: Small, odor-proof containers designed to hold food scraps before they are transferred to a larger compost system. These containers will not compost food on their own, and any container with a lid that seals can work (like an old Tupperware container).
How to Use:
Place the bin on your kitchen counter or under the sink.
Add fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
Empty the bin into your compost pile or larger compost system regularly.
You can also keep these bins in the freezer to avoid odors and bugs.
Benefits: Convenient and easy to add to while cooking.
Bokashi Composting
What It Is: A fermentation method using a special mix of microorganisms to break down organic waste.
How to Use:
Add food scraps to a Bokashi bin.
Sprinkle the Bokashi bran over each layer of waste.
Seal the bin and allow it to ferment for 1-2 weeks.
Transfer the fermented waste to a soil or larger compost system.
Benefits: Can compost meat, dairy, and cooked foods; compact and odor-controlled.
Vermicomposting
What It Is: Composting using worms, typically in a bin designed for indoor use.
How to Use:
Set up a worm bin with bedding material (shredded paper, cardboard).
Add worms (red wigglers are ideal) and food scraps.
Maintain the bin by adding new food scraps and moisture as needed.
Harvest compost from the bin every few months.
Benefits: Produces nutrient-rich compost; suitable for small spaces.
Indoor Composting Systems
What It Is: Compact, self-contained composting units designed for indoor use.
How to Use:
Choose a unit based on your available space and needs (e.g., rotating composters, compact tumblers).
Add food scraps and other compostable materials.
Follow the unit’s guidelines for maintenance, such as turning or aerating.
Benefits: Efficient, low-maintenance, and designed for indoor use.
Composting with a Shared System
What It Is: Participating in a community composting program or shared composting system.
How to Use:
Find a local community garden or composting program that accepts apartment residents.
Deposit your compostable materials in the designated bins or areas.
Follow any specific guidelines provided by the program.
Benefits: Reduces the need for personal composting equipment; supports community sustainability.
Offsite Composting Options
Community Compost Programs
What It Is: Local organizations or municipal programs that accept compostable materials from residents.
How to Use:
Locate a nearby community compost drop-off site.
Collect and transport your compostable materials to the site.
Follow any guidelines for sorting and disposal.
Benefits: Convenient if a drop-off location is nearby; supports local composting efforts.
Food Scrap Collection Services
What It Is: Subscription-based services that pick up compostable materials from your apartment.
How to Use:
Sign up for a food scrap collection service in your area.
Place your compostable materials in the provided bins or bags.
Schedule regular pickups according to the service’s schedule.
Benefits: No need for personal composting equipment; hassle-free collection.
Local Garden Composting Programs
What It Is: Community gardens that accept compostable materials to use in their own compost systems.
How to Use:
Contact local community gardens to see if they accept compostables.
Drop off your materials at designated times or locations.
Follow any specific instructions provided.
Benefits: Contributes to local gardening projects; supports community initiatives.
Municipal Waste Management Programs
What It Is: City or county programs that offer curbside composting services.
How to Use:
Check if your municipality offers curbside composting.
Use the provided bins for compostable materials.
Follow the program’s guidelines for sorting and collection.
Benefits: Convenient and integrated with waste management services.
Specialized Composting Facilities
What It Is: Facilities that process large quantities of compostable materials from various sources.
How to Use:
Find a specialized composting facility that accepts public drop-offs.
Transport your compostables to the facility.
Follow any specific sorting or disposal guidelines.
Benefits: Handles larger volumes of waste; often features advanced composting technologies.
By choosing the right composting option for your apartment, you can effectively reduce waste and contribute to sustainability efforts. For specific composting tips and tricks, visit letsgocompost.org/learn.
Let's Go Compost is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to make composting free and accessible throughout the United States. Our goal is to revolutionize waste management, reduce landfill waste, and combat harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Our programs are community-led with a focus on supporting school gardens and community gardens, all working to ensure composting and free food waste drop off sites reach all, irrespective of location or income.
