(Disclaimer:This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I genuinely believe in) Learn more.
Ever thrown away a banana peel or some old salad and thought, “There must be a better way,”? you’re not alone.
Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t miss out on the eco-friendly perks of composting.
More in the US are getting into apartment composting as they look for ways to live greener and cleaner.
I’ve been all about eco-friendly living for five years now. I made composting part of my daily routine, and I’ve even helped friends & family who thought it was just people with big backyards.
Nope, not true! You can totally do it, too.
If you have a backyard then you can read my complete guide on starting composting in the backyard.
So what’s apartment composting anyway?
Well, it’s all about breaking down stuff like food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil that helps plants grow.
When you compost in your apartment, you’re kinda playing matchmaker with your food trash and microorganisms.
But why should you compost, especially in an apartment? Good question! Composting in your apartment helps cut down waste.
Plus, you’ll shrink your carbon footprint and make nutrient-rich soil for your indoor plants or balcony garden. Every time you toss a banana peel in the compost bin instead of the trash, it feels like you’re an eco-volunteer!
You might worry about smells or pests, especially in cozy spaces. But don’t fret! With some right methods, you can avoid those issues.
Choosing the Right Composting Method for Your Space
Now, when it comes to apartment composting, one size definitely does NOT fit all. Here are a few methods I’ve tried & really liked:
Vermicomposting:
Yup, This is my personal favorite! It involves enlisting the help of worms to break down scraps.
It might sound gross at first (yuck!), but those little guys work wonders turning trash into rich compost. I’ve been using a small vermicomposting bin in my apartment for a couple of years.
Bokashi Composting:
This neat Japanese style uses good microorganisms to ferment your kitchen bits. It’s super quick and smells great—no worms involved!
Bokashi lets you toss in all sorts of food waste (even meat), which is awesome if you live in a small place.
I introduced this method to a friend who was skeptical about composting in her tiny studio, and she’s now successfully composting.
Indoor Compost Bins:
If worms aren’t your vibe or fermentation sounds icky, check these out! These bins break down scraps fast with little effort on your part.
They’re compact and often have filters to control odors. Electric ones like Lomi or Vitamix FC-50 really do the trick—perfect for anyone who wants easy indoor composting without the mess.
What is the Perfect Spot to Place the Composting System?
Finding the right spot is key! You want somewhere easy to reach but outta direct sun to avoid overheating (and good ventilation too).
I’ve placed my vermicomposting bin in a corner of my kitchen so it’s easy to add scraps while I cook!
Equipment required for Apartment Composting
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A composting bin or container (depending upon the composting method you choose)
- A small countertop container for collecting daily scraps
- A trowel or small garden fork for turning your compost
Check local garden centers or eco-stores for supplies! Or, if you’re feeling crafty like I was, hit up YouTube for some DIY bin tutorials!
What Can You Compost in an Apartment?
The short answer? More than you think! Here’s a quick list:
Green stuff (rich in nitrogen):
- Fruit & veggie scraps
- Coffee grounds & tea bags
- Fresh grass clippings
Brown materials (carbon-rich):
- Shredded newspaper or cardboard
- Dry leaves
- Sawdust from untreated wood
Avoid composting meat, dairy, oils unless you’re using the bokashi method
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Apartment Compost
- Pick your apartment composting method & set up your bin.
- Start collecting kitchen scraps in your container.
- Add a mix of green and brown (like paper or cardboard) materials to your main composting bin.
- Keep your compost moist but not soggy – think wrung-out sponge.
- Turn or aerate your compost regularly to keep those microbes happy.
- Monitor the process and adjust as needed.
- Harvest your finished compost when it’s dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling!
Also read, how to organize a community composting program in your town.
What to Do If Your Compost Smells?
Worried about smells? Keep a good balance of “greens” (like food scraps) and “browns” (like paper or cardboard) to prevent odors.
My compost bin is in my kitchen, and thanks to this balance, it doesn’t produce any unpleasant smells
How to Deal with Pests and Bugs?
What if bugs come creeping around? Keep your bin covered and don’t overstuff it with wet food scraps—Regularly turning the compost helps, too.
I haven’t had bug issues at all—in an apartment setting, that’s saying something!
How to Fix a Compost Bin That’s Too Wet or Too Dry?
Moisture levels are key to successful indoor composting. If your compost is too wet, add more dry material like shredded paper.
If it’s too dry, a little water can help—it’s kinda like taking care of plants; they need balance to grow well!
How to Avoid Mold and Mildew in Your Compost?
Mold shows up when air can’t get through enough; turning it regularly and avoiding overloading it with food waste can prevent mold and mildew.
Harvesting and Using Your Compost
The compost will be ready in a couple of months and you can use it to grow your plants. This compost is perfect for feeding indoor plants and balcony gardens.
I love mixing mine into potting soil for my balcony veggies or using it to top-dress my houseplants and indoor herbs. It’s like serving them a gourmet meal!
If you have more compost than you can use or if you don’t have a balcony or indoor plants, share it with neighbors or simply donate it to a community garden.
Just follow the correct method together with little maintenance, and you can turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost without any hassle
I have diverted hundreds of pounds of waste from landfills over the past five years while growing the tastiest vegetables here in New Jersey.
Also inspired many friends and family members to start composting. So, Grab that banana peel, rescue that coffee filter from the trash, and start your apartment composting journey today.
