Why compost at home? Yard waste and kitchen scraps decompose to make organic soil rich with nutrients that feed gardens and lawns. Composting also helps divert food waste, which decreases the load on our landfills. Getting started with composting is simple with some basic education on what to compost, where to place a bin, and how to maintain it. Before long, you’ll be turning kitchen trash into garden gold.
Step 1: Choose a Location
The best outdoor location for a compost bin is easily accessible, on level ground, and near sunlight. The sun helps warm up the materials to the right temperature for decomposition magic to happen.
Step 2: Prepare Your Bin
There are plenty of off-the-shelf tumblers and bins you can purchase. Some have levers that help you rotate the bin and others have built-in air ventilation. Or you can repurpose a bin you already own, such as a metal or plastic garbage can. Wheels are a bonus! Make sure the bin is empty and clean. For adequate air ventilation, create holes in the sides of the container with a power drill and a paddle attachment.
Step 3: Start Filling Your Bin
Visit your local cooperative extension website in your county to get the most accurate information about what can go in your bin. Generally, materials that can go into a home compost bin fall into two categories: green and brown. Green materials are water-rich items like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and fresh grass clippings. Brown materials include drier items like leaves, twigs and branches, cardboard, wood chips, and used paper coffee filters. Layer brown and green materials to get your home compost bin started.
Step 4: Turn and Water Your Compost
Organic materials need to be turned over and watered to decompose. Add water to your compost bin weekly and turn your bin every few weeks.
A few other quick tips to keep get good results:
- Chop up your vegetable scraps and crack eggshells into smaller pieces that will break down easier.
- Don’t let the compost get too wet, especially if there’s a lot of rain in your area.
- Keep these items out of your bin: meat, dairy, diseased plants, bones, and pet waste.
