How to Compost in an Apartment: Big Impact in Small Spaces
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t be part of the growing movement to reduce food waste. Apartment composting can be surprisingly simple and highly rewarding. In this guide, we’ll explain how to compost in an apartment, including tips on the best methods, what to compost, and how to choose the right countertop compost bin.
Whether you want to set up a small compost bin on your kitchen counter or utilize a local composting service, there are plenty of ways to make a big impact in a small space.
Why Apartment Composting Matters
Composting is an eco-friendly way to reduce food waste, divert organic materials from landfills, and create a natural fertilizer for plants. In an apartment setting, composting can still be incredibly effective. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food scraps and yard waste make up more than 30% of what we throw away, and composting can drastically reduce this waste.
When organic materials are sent to a landfill, they break down anaerobically, producing methane—a potent greenhouse gas. By composting your food waste, even in a small apartment, you’re reducing your environmental impact while creating something beneficial for plants.
How to Compost in an Apartment
Apartment dwellers have a few different options for composting in small spaces. Each method has its own benefits, depending on your space and composting needs.
Countertop Compost Bin
A kitchen counter compost bin is one of the easiest ways to begin apartment composting. These bins are designed for small spaces and often come with filters to prevent odors. You can collect your food scraps in the bin and later transfer them to an outdoor compost pile, community composting program, or even a worm bin.
The Utopia kitchen countertop compost bin is one of our favorites. We really like the different color options and it comes with a spare filter. Check it out below!
This 1.3 gallon kitchen countertop compost bin allows you to collect food scraps all week! Charcoal filters trap and control odor naturally, and it's easy to clean with just soap and warm water.
Features to Look For:
When choosing a countertop compost bin, look for options with carbon filters to minimize odors, a tight-fitting lid, and a capacity that fits your kitchen’s needs. Compost bins made of stainless steel, ceramic, or BPA-free plastic are common choices.
Want to learn more about zero waste living? Check out: What is Zero Waste? Transform Your World with Sustainable Living
Indoor Composting Options
If you’re serious about composting in your apartment and have a little more space, there are indoor composting systems that work well in small settings.
Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)
One of the most effective methods for apartment composting is vermicomposting. This method involves using worms—typically red wigglers—to break down food scraps into nutrient-rich compost known as worm castings. Vermicomposting systems are compact, odor-free when managed properly, and ideal for apartments.
- How It Works: You’ll need a worm bin, which can be stored under your kitchen counter or in a closet. Add food scraps and bedding (shredded newspaper or cardboard), and the worms will do the rest. Worms are efficient decomposers and can handle most kitchen waste.
- What Can Go in a Compost Bin with Worms: In a vermicomposting setup, worms can handle fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods.
Bokashi Composting
Bokashi composting is another option for apartment dwellers. Unlike traditional composting, the Bokashi method involves fermenting organic waste using a special inoculated bran. This pre-composting process can break down food waste in an airtight container, and after a few weeks, the waste is ready to be added to an outdoor compost pile or buried in soil.
- How It Works: Simply layer your food scraps with Bokashi bran in an airtight container. Once the container is full, let it ferment for about two weeks before disposing of it properly.
- Advantages: Bokashi composting can handle all types of food waste, including meat, dairy, and cooked leftovers, which are typically not recommended in other composting methods.
What Can Go in a Compost Bin?
Knowing what can go in a compost bin is key to successful composting. Not all food waste is suitable for compost, and some items can slow down the process or attract pests.
List of Compostable Items
Compostable items:
Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, bread, grains, and pasta (in small quantities), yard clippings, and paper towels.
Non-compostable items:
Meat, dairy, oils, and cooked food (unless using the Bokashi method).
Biodegradable vs. Compostable: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between biodegradable vs. compostable is important for composting success.
- Biodegradable items are materials that break down over time through natural processes, but they might not decompose completely or quickly enough to be suitable for composting. An item labeled biodegradable could take months or even years to break down.
- Compostable items, on the other hand, are specifically designed to break down into nutrient-rich soil under composting conditions. Compostable products decompose faster and more completely than biodegradable ones, leaving no toxic residue behind.
When shopping for compostable products, look for items certified as compostable, such as compostable bags, plates, and cutlery.
Managing Apartment Composting Challenges
While composting in an apartment is achievable, it does come with a few unique challenges, including space limitations and concerns about odor. Here’s how to overcome them.
Controlling Odors
One of the top concerns for people starting apartment composting is odor. To prevent unpleasant smells:
- Use a countertop compost bin with a carbon filter.
- Avoid composting too much wet material (like fruit peels) without balancing it with dry materials (such as shredded newspaper or cardboard).
- Regularly empty your bin and keep it clean.
Managing Space Constraints
If you’re tight on space, here are a few tips:
- Choose a compact kitchen counter compost bin that can fit into small spaces like under the sink or on a balcony.
- If you don’t have room for an indoor compost system, consider using a local composting service that collects food scraps from your door.
Using Your Finished Compost
Once you’ve successfully composted your kitchen scraps, you can use the nutrient-rich compost for plants. Here’s how:
- Houseplants: Mix your compost with potting soil to nourish indoor plants.
- Community Gardens: Donate your compost to local community gardens if you don’t have a garden of your own.
- Balcony Gardens: If you have a small balcony or windowsill garden, your compost can help grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
Apartment Composting for a Greener Future
Learning how to compost in an apartment is a rewarding way to reduce your food waste and contribute to a greener planet. Whether you use a countertop compost bin, vermicomposting, or Bokashi composting, there are plenty of ways to create an eco-friendly system that fits your space. With the right methods, even small apartments can play a big role in reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.
We all live here, so let’s take care of this place.
