Composting is an incredible process that doesn’t get enough attention. It’s typically seen as something you can only do in a large outdoor space. However, it is just as easy to start composting in a small space!
In this post, I'm going to tell you about the amazing benefits of composting and how you can make it a part of your everyday life regardless of how much space you have! (I promise, it's easier--and cooler--than you think.)
What is composting?
Composting is the process of breaking down organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. It is a natural cycle. There are 3 components needed for a successful compost:
Browns: This includes twigs, dead leaves, and woodchips.
Greens: This includes coffee grounds, food scraps, and grass clippings.
Water: Compost piles need moisture to help break down organic material.
What Are the Benefits of Composting?
Composting Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Personal Waste
Food waste makes up a large portion of landfills. According to the EPA, approximately 21% of municipal solid waste in 2018 was food waste.
When food scraps are sent to a landfill, they release methane. This occurs because the microorganisms that normally decompose organic matter cannot survive in anaerobic environments. Methane is a greenhouse gas that holds 25x more heat than carbon dioxide.
A recent study from the American Journal of Agricultural Economics estimated that 31% of food bought in households is thrown away.
Composting offers a practical solution to this problem. It turns trash into a great product that benefits the local community.
Make Sure to Check out our Website Store and Resources Page
Compost Improves Soil Quality
The end result of composting is nutrient-rich soil. Because this soil is so nutrient-heavy, it improves the overall soil health of gardens. Additionally, it is organic so there’s nothing to harm any plants.
Many gardeners pay for compost due to this benefit. By composting on your own or participating in a compost community, it becomes a free resource!
Photo by Nareeta Martin
Composting in a Small Space
How to Start:
After reviewing what composting is and the benefits now you want to know the most important thing… how to compost! But how do you begin if you live in an urban setting with limited space?
There are 2 options for composting in urban settings:
Third-party composting service
Compost bin
Author Kara Henry uses Nudge a composting service in Wichita, KS Photo by K. Henry
Third-Party Composting Service
Third-party composting services are easy, require little effort, and yield many benefits without having to participate in the entire composting cycle. This option is ideal for people living in small spaces without regular access to private green space (such as an apartment).
Locate a Third Party Composting Group
Locate a composting service near your area. Compost Now provides a comprehensive list itemized by state. There are some services not shown on this site so be sure to research your specific area.
If you are in Northern Kentucky or the Greater Cincinnati area you can look into:
Local Compost Greater Cincinnati area
or
For Lexington, KY area residents:
TreeHouse Compost in the Lexington area
Whole Foods Markets Nationwide
There are 500 Whole Foods Nationally. Some have compost and recycling bins available to customers.
Types of Servies for Third Party
There are two options: residential pickup or drop-off. Residential pickup can offer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly pickup options. This would be ideal for homeowners who do not have a large backyard. For apartment owners, the drop off option would be ideal.
Getting Started
Once you have signed up, the company typically provides a 5-gallon bucket for your compost. Put in an easily accessible place. Such as a balcony, or under the kitchen sink.
It’s easy to find a place for a small bucket. Photo by Kara Henry.
Start placing all your compostable materials into the 5-gallon bucket. The company should provide further specifics as to what they can and cannot compost.
Pick Up or Drop Off
If you chose residential pickup place the compost bin on the curb the night before pickup mornings.
If you chose to drop-off, discard the contents of your bin in the local compost collection. You should do this frequently to keep your bucket clean.
After this, it is out of your hands! The company you have chosen will collect your scraps and complete the compost cycle on their own land. Many companies then give nutrient-rich soil back to customers or donate to community gardens.
Just fill your bucket with leftover food scraps according to your companies instructions. Typically this is scraps that are vegetable, fruit, or grains. Photo by Kara Henry.
Compost Bins
Compost bins are small containers that can fit on a balcony, beneath the kitchen sink, etc. This method can be messier and takes more work on your end. There are several types of bins. The one that is right for you depends on your composting goals.
Build Your Own
For those that have some extra space, building your own composting bin could be the right choice. You need all 3 components (brown, green, and water) and follow the rules of composting on a smaller scale.
For a more in-depth description read our blog “Composting 101- Build Your Soil.”
One downside to this method is that you may have some trouble finding everything you need for successful compost. For example, apartment living rarely provides access to “browns” such as leaves, woodchips, etc.
Some municipalities offer composted leaves or yard waste for residents. You may also be able to pick up leaves and twigs at a local park.
Additionally, compost bins need extra attention to ensure proper airflow and decomposition.
If you have a small lot or a patio we recommend this style. It allows for good water and air circulation. We do recommend putting hardware cloth on the bottom to keep out wildlife and pets
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is the method of using worms to decompose organic material into nutrient-rich soil. There are specific vermicomposting bins that are small enough to fit in an apartment.
A typical bin like this requires worm bedding, worms, and food scraps. Follow specific directions from the compost bin you ordered since each one might have different instructions. This is an easy way to compost without having to build your own container and quickly get nutrient-rich soil!
My Experience and Tips:
I decided to start composting while in college. I saw tremendous amounts of food thrown away and began researching food waste reduction methods. I decided on composting because I loved the closed-loop ideology. Turning what we would normally throw away into a great product that could help my community- amazing!
I live in a studio apartment and do not have the ability to have a compost pile which is why I decided to use a third-party composting service.
This was the perfect solution for my goals. In 2020, I started being more intentional about my personal waste. Nudge Compost allowed me to eliminate my food waste without overcrowding the little space I have!
Some tips:
Buy compostable liners to make your bucket cleaner, and keep it from smelling. I did this in the beginning and regretted not buying more when I ran out. Because soon enough my bucket started smelling- even after I had discarded my food scraps.
Be sure to empty your bucket frequently- even if it is not full. Again, this keeps your bucket clean and prevents you from composting rotten scraps.
Take away:
Composting is a great way to reduce your personal waste while helping the community around you! For those living in small spaces, composting is for you too. It’s never too late to reduce your environmental impact.
Enjoy your composting journey and share any tips in the comment section below!
Guest Author, Kara Henry is a life-long midwest resident which sparked her passion for environmentalism from a young age. She is a recent graduate from the University of Kansas. Once the coronavirus pandemic is over, she hopes to travel and experience all mother nature has to offer.
As a vegan, you want a garden full of healthy plants. Healthy plants fight off diseases and pests. And they have more nutrients which help us stay healthy too.
Plant-based compost is easy to make and will benefit your garden. My vegan friends often tell me that established gardeners tell them you can't compost without animal products. And that is simply not true!