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If you decided to begin composting this year perhaps to lighten your carbon footprint or as a New Years’ resolution—or maybe, in the case of California residents to abide new laws—we’re here to guide you on this journey.
For anyone, starting to compost may seem overwhelming, messy, scientific, and confusing. And, if you live in an apartment, downright impossible. The challenges add up: What if it smells bad? Where do I put my moldy food? I don’t have a yard!
Honestly though, composting can be simple and minimal, even if you do live in a small space. Consider this guide your compost buddy as you get started.
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Work out the details, first
Before you buy any supplies or collect food waste, figure out how you want to approach composting.
You could look for a local compost collection service or a drop-off location. You could also find a small compost bin that breaks down materials indoors. You could see if your apartment complex has outdoor space for a compost pile or outdoor bin.
Other options include high-tech composters or worm composting (we’re even testing this now!).
How to compost if you have outdoor space
Depending on what format you opt for, you’ll need different supplies. If you have outdoor space, even if it’s small, you’ll want a compost bin and both green and brown supplies.
How to compost if you want a hand’s off approach
If you’re hesitant to do it all on your own, consider a compost club or pick-up/drop-off service. In California, each jurisdiction is required to provide organic waste collection, but if you live elsewhere you still have options.
When I moved into my apartment I signed up for a local service called the Compost Exchange, and it’s been a smooth ride. I have a 5-gallon bucket with a compostable bag inside that I fill over the course of a week. Then, each Saturday, I take it to a drop-off location and empty the bag and get a new one. It’s so easy, and I also like that I can add in compostable materials that may not breakdown in in-home or backyard bins like toothbrushes, compostable cutlery, packaging, and the like.
Some cities and towns may also have a “compost dump.” You may be able to find them by asking your local soil and water program or by asking around. These kinds of dumps may take the form of large garden plots or dumpsters where you—literally—go and dump your food waste. From there, the city or relevant organization picks up the compost and transfers it to a facility to break it down. You can also go a more community-centric route and team up with a neighbor or friend who may have outdoor space or a garden where your compost is wanted.
These are all wonderful options for people who want or need to compost but don’t have the time or desire to get their hands dirty in the process!
How to compost in your apartment
Composting entirely indoors is a different practice. For starters, you’ll want a countertop bin. This type of bin will serve as an in-between space for your food scraps; they won’t break down here.
If you find that the food scraps get smelly in a bin, there are a few ways to reduce the stink:
- Store scraps in a bowl in the freezer instead of on the counter
- Add “brown” materials like newspaper or toilet paper rolls to absorb the wet materials
- Move your bin to a cool and dark place, like under the sink or in a cabinet
To compliment your countertop bin, you’ll need another bin where the materials can really breakdown. We tested this indoor bin that uses an organic material, called bokashi, to facilitate the breakdown. You could also look into worm composting bins, or try a high-tech composter.
Tips for collecting compost indoors
Since I started composting a few years ago, I’ve noticed some habits that help composting along.
My first bit of advice is to remove stickers from produce as soon as you get home from the store. This is an easy task to combine with washing your produce, and it’s far easier to do this all together rather than every time you reach for a fruit or veggie. Stickers are made of plastic and won’t break down in compost, so it’s best to get rid of them from the get-go.
Another helpful task is to make a “yes” and “no” list for your home. Whether you live alone and need a refresher or have housemates who may need the nudge, having a chart to reference helps the right things get composted.
You may not realize that you can compost certain egg cartons, limes, some dryer lint, dead leaves, and other random materials, so having a list to check can help items get sorted properly.
Similarly, some things can’t be composted, so it’s better that they go in the trash. This includes pet waste, plastic tea bags, grease, and plastic-lined takeout containers. Pinterest has a wealth of images for you to print.
My last piece of advice for apartment composting is to check on your compost often. Also, keep it covered. You don’t want fruit flies.
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