Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil, even if you live in an apartment. With a little planning and creativity, you can compost successfully in small spaces. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to compost in an apartment.
Selecting a Compost System
The first step is choosing an appropriate compost system for your space. Here are some of the best options for apartment composting:
Worm Composting
Worm composting, or vermicomposting, is ideal for apartments. Red wiggler worms can break down food scraps in a small worm bin that can fit under your sink or in a closet. Worm castings make excellent fertilizer for houseplants or garden beds.
Electric Composters
Electric composters like the Envirocycle or Vitamix FoodCycler are self-contained units that use odor filters and accelerated heat to quickly compost food waste. Just empty the end result into your outdoor compost pile.
Bokashi Composting
In this anaerobic method, food scraps ferment with bokashi bran in an airtight bucket. It takes up very little space and contains odors. The end product gets added to soil or compost.
Countertop Compost Bin
For very small amounts of compost, a simple countertop bin with carbon filter can collect food scraps before transferring them to an outdoor compost pile.
Choosing a Location
Find a space for your compost bin that is out of direct sunlight and away from heat vents or appliances that could dry it out. Under the sink, a hall closet, balcony, fire escape, or shaded outdoor space are good options.
What to Compost
Nearly all food scraps can go into an apartment compost, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Bread, grains, and pasta
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags
- Nut shells
- Shredded paper and cardboard
Avoid meat, fish, oils, and dairy, which can create odors and attract pests.
Maintaining Your Compost
To keep your compost healthy, remember to:
- Add browns like shredded cardboard, leaves, or paper to balance greens.
- Keep it moist but not soaked.
- Turn or stir the compost weekly.
- Introduce beneficial organisms like red wiggler worms.
- Monitor temperature and oxygen levels.
- Harvest finished compost once it looks dark and crumbly.
Using Your Compost
The nutrient-dense finished compost has many uses:
- Mix into potting soil for houseplants.
- Top off garden beds and flower pots outdoors.
- Blend into soil amendments for balcony or patio container gardens.
- Sprinkle lightly around the base of outdoor trees or shrubs.
With the right system and a bit of maintenance, you can compost successfully right in your apartment. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and improve your indoor and outdoor plant growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Composting in an Apartment
How much space do I need to compost in my apartment?
Most apartment composting systems take up very little space. A countertop compost bin may be just 1 cubic foot. Small worm bins can fit under your sink. Even larger compost tumblers can tuck away neatly on a balcony or porch.
What if I only have a small amount of food waste?
Even if you have minimal food scraps, you can still compost successfully. A basic countertop compost collector with charcoal filter lets you gather food waste before adding it to a community garden compost. Or you can try bokashi composting, which works for very small amounts of waste.
How can I avoid odors or pests?
Proper maintenance is key to prevent smells and pests. Do not compost meat, oils or dairy. Empty your food waste frequently. Keep your compost bin or worm farm away from direct sunlight and heat. Monitor moisture and aeration. Use browns like shredded paper to balance greens.
Can I compost if I have no outdoor space?
Yes! There are many systems designed specifically for indoor use only, like worm composting, electric composters, and bokashi bins. You can keep them entirely contained in your apartment if needed.
What if my building doesn’t allow compost bins outdoors?
There are discreet composting systems made to use on balconies, patios, or porches without being an eyesore. You can also use indoor systems and transport the finished compost to a community garden. Or, speak with your building manager about allowing compost bins in designated areas.
What can I do with the finished compost?
There are endless uses for your nutrient-rich apartment compost! Mix it into indoor or outdoor container gardens, sprinkle around the base of outdoor trees and shrubs, use it for potting houseplants, or add it to community garden beds.
Conclusion
Composting is a rewarding practice that allows you to reduce food waste and recycle nutrients right in your own apartment. With a little research, you can find the right composting system to match your space and lifestyle. Maintain proper aeration, moisture, and a balance of materials for a healthy, odor-free compost that will enrich your indoor and outdoor growing.