Did you know the average household tosses nearly 30% of its food every year? That’s like buying three bags of groceries and chucking one straight into the trash. And where does it go? To landfills, where it sits like a couch potato, releasing methane and stinking up the planet.
But here’s the twist, no matter how small your apartment may be, your kitchen scraps don’t have to be the villains here. They could actually be heroes for your garden and the environment. Enter: composting in small spaces.
(Psst! If you have a bigger home, this might not be the article for you. Instead, check out our other article on how to compost)
But First: For Those Who Don’t Care 🙁
Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Yeah, but I don’t live on a farm,” hear me out. You don’t need acres of land or a pitchfork to compost. Even if you’re in a tiny apartment, you can turn those food scraps into black gold (aka compost) and feel like a total eco-warrior.
Let’s dive into how small-space composting can save the planet, one banana peel at a time—while busting those “composting is hard” myths along the way. Trust me, it’s easier (and way less gross) than you think.
Why Composting Matters
Why care about composting? Here’s why:
- Reduce Household Waste: Composting shrinks the amount of trash your household sends to landfills. Less waste means a reduced environmental impact.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Food scraps decomposing in landfills produce methane gas—a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a century. Composting eliminates that problem.
- Create Free Fertilizer: Compost turns kitchen waste into “black gold”—a chemical-free, nutrient-packed fertilizer for your garden or houseplants.
Convinced? Now, let’s talk about how to get started.
Choosing the Right Composting Method for Small Spaces
You don’t need a big yard or a complicated setup to start composting. Here are a couple of space-friendly options that are perfect for apartments or small homes:
1. Vermicomposting (Composting with Worms)
Vermicomposting uses red wiggler worms to break down organic waste into rich compost. It’s compact, easy to manage, and incredibly efficient. All you need is a ventilated box, bedding material (shredded paper or cardboard), and your diligent squirmy workers!
2. Bokashi (Bin) Composting
Bokashi composting is a Japanese method that ferments food scraps using beneficial microbes. It’s an odor-free, enclosed system, so it’s ideal for indoors. Plus, it’s incredibly fast—composting waste in just a few weeks!
3. Countertop or Balcony Compost Bins
For those who want simplicity, compact countertop composters or portable bins are a great no-fuss option. Look for models designed specifically for small spaces.
Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide to Composting
Follow our step-by-step guide to kickstart your composting journey with ease.
Step 1: Set Up Your Compost System
- Select the method that works best for your space (vermicomposting, Bokashi, or a small kitchen bin).
- Find a dedicated spot in your apartment—under the sink, on the balcony, or even a corner in your pantry.
Step 2: Know What to Compost
What to toss in (AKA the “greens”):
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Tea bags and Coffee grounds (Yep. even some coffee pods, check out which ones you can compost here!)
- Eggshells
What to avoid:
- Meat and dairy (unless using a Bokashi system)
- Oily or greasy food
- Diseased plants or pet waste
Add “browns” for balance:
- Shredded paper or cardboard (even wax paper if it follows certain guidelines)
- Dried leaves
- Sawdust
Step 3: Layer It Right
For a thriving compost, aim for a balanced mix of:
- 2 parts browns (carbon-rich materials)
- 1 part greens (nitrogen-rich materials)
Alternate layers to maintain airflow and boost decomposition.
Step 4: Check Your Compost
Compost should be slightly moist, like a wrung-out sponge. Mix it once a week to aerate and speed up the process. Vermicompost? Keep your worms fed and your bin covered.
Tackling Common Composting Misconceptions and Challenges
Composting in small spaces may seem daunting, but these solutions will make it easier for you to get started and stay on track:
1. Worried About Space?
Start small! A counter bin or Bokashi bucket takes up minimal room and offers maximum convenience.
2. Concerned About Smell?
With proper material balance (remember those browns and greens?), your compost should smell earthy, not gross. Airtight systems like the Bokashi bin also keep odors at bay.
3. Afraid of Pests?
Make sure your compost bin has a lid and avoid adding meat or dairy. Small setups like vermicomposting boxes are actually helpful with keeping pests away from your worker worms if managed properly.
4. Troubleshooting Tips
Facing typical composting hiccups? Here’s how to fix them:
- Odor? It’s likely too wet. Add more browns like shredded paper or leaves.
- Soggy compost? Add dry, absorbent materials.
- Compost not breaking down? Chop your food scraps smaller or stir your pile for more oxygen.
Make Composting a Part of Your Lifestyle
Think composting is time-consuming? It doesn’t have to be. Incorporate these simple swaps into your daily routine to keep it effortless:
- Keep a small compost pail on your countertop to collect scraps while cooking.
- Empty it into your compost system at the end of each day.
- Educate family or roommates, so everyone contributes to living more sustainably.
Take the Green Leap
You don’t need a massive garden or tons of time to make composting work for you. A small bin and a little know-how are all it takes to turn your kitchen scraps into something amazing. By composting, you’re not just cutting down waste—you’re playing a crucial part in building a more sustainable world.
Are you ready to get started? Equip yourself with the tools you need to succeed. Share your composting tips or questions in the comments below—we love hearing from our eco-warrior community! 🌱