Composting Basics

For environmentally conscious home dwellers, composting food scraps and yard waste in a pile, bin or specialized tumbler offers numerous benefits. The process involves creating optimal conditions for microorganisms to decompose organic material, transforming it into a valuable soil additive. Composting significantly reduces waste destined for landfills, minimizing methane emissions.

Whether integrated into gardens or potted plants, compost can enhance vegetable harvests and flower blooms, discourage weed growth, improve moisture retention and reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers. There are several ways to engage in composting, including indoor or outdoor composting at home, as well as the collection of food scraps for processing at local composting facilities, farms or community gardens.

 

Outdoor Composting Tips

•   Build a base with straw or twigs to allow for air flow.

•   Alternate layers of green materials (produce scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells) with brown materials (dry leaves or shredded paper), aiming for a three-to-one ratio of browns to greens by volume.

•   Maintain the compost slightly damp for moisture balance.

•   Turn the compost periodically for aeration.

•   Avoid composting meat, fish, dairy products, fats, oils, diseased plants or pet waste.

 

Indoor Composting

For those residing in apartments or homes without yards, indoor composting is a good option. It requires an investment in a composter or food recycler that dries and grinds food waste into grounds, and is typically equipped with a filter to eliminate odors. These devices process the waste within three to 12 hours, depending upon the brand, and are compact enough to fit in most kitchens.

Popular brands like Lomi and Vitamix create fertilizer from food waste, while Reencle adds microorganisms to the composting process. Unlike outdoor composting, these devices make it possible to recycle meat and dairy products. However, read the instructions carefully to ensure that only recommended food waste items are placed in the machines to avoid damaging them.

 

Kitchen Collection Bin

Whether food scraps are collected for indoor, outdoor or third-party composting, a collection bin conveniently placed under the kitchen sink or on the counter makes recycling food scraps a part of the daily cooking routine. Here are some helpful tips:

•   Bin Size: Choose a bin large enough to accommodate three to four days’ worth of kitchen scraps for the household.

•   Odor Control: Make sure the bin comes with a charcoal filter and/or perforated lid to reduce naturally occurring odors.

•   Materials: Opt for eco-friendly bins made out of long-lasting stainless steel or sustainable bamboo. Plastic bins are also available.

•   Cover: Consider hinged, flip-top models for ease of use and convenience.

•   Waste Size: Cut everything into small pieces to speed up decomposition.

•   Cleaning: Regularly wash the bin to prevent odors, fruit flies and other pests.