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Living in an urban area, I have learned the practice of waste composting is not restricted to those who possess huge backyards.
There are various ways you can compost in the city, be it a small apartment, or even a communal garden.
Being someone who is fond of urban farming, I have exercised various techniques in my New Jersey home, ranging from working on an indoor compost to assisting a buddy with her backyard compost.
I even cultivate Vegetables on my balcony and Micro greens indoors trust me, if I can do it, you surely will.
Why Composting in Cities Is Important
Composting in cities helps to cut down on the garbage that goes to landfills. When we compost, we not only make less trash but also help fight climate change.
Plus, compost adds nutrients to the soil, which is awesome for urban gardens — whether you’ve got a little balcony garden or a big community project.
It’s also a neat way to grow healthier plants while living a greener life. Let’s dive into some cool ways to compost in cities.
Vermicomposting: Composting with Worms
One of the easiest ways to compost in small spaces is with vermicomposting. This means using worms to munch on organic scraps.
I’ve done this in my apartment for years! It’s a fun and low-maintenance way that fits right in with my indoor herb garden.
– So, what’s Vermicomposting? It’s all about using red wiggler worms that eat food scraps, turning them into nutrient-rich worm castings — or “black gold,” as folks like to call it.
– Ideal for Urban Life: A worm bin is small & it doesn’t smell if you take care of it. You can keep it under the sink or even on your balcony!
– Maintenance Tips: I find it best to feed those worms small bits of food scraps every few days. And remember: the bedding should be moist, but not like a soggy sponge!
Bokashi Composting: A Fermentation-Based Method
Bokashi composting is another cool option! My neighbor tried this method after hearing about its popularity in the U.S.
Bokashi uses special bran to ferment food waste — even meat and dairy, which regular compost methods can’t handle easily.
– What Makes Bokashi Different? Instead of oxygen, Bokashi ferments waste without air — that’s what makes it special! It’s perfect when you have limited space since it happens in an airtight bin.
– Great for Small Spaces: If you live in an apartment and want to compost stuff like cheese or leftover pizza from family dinners, this is your jam! It takes up almost no room & gives you compost-ready material in just two weeks.
– How to Use It: You can bury bokashi in your garden or mix it with pot plants. My neighbor tried it in her balcony garden and wow, the results were amazing!
Community Composting Programs
If you’ve got no space for indoor bins or just wanna be part of something bigger, check out community compost programs!
A bunch of cities have these, even here in New Jersey. I helped set one up locally; it’s such a fun way to bring people together.
– Community composting programs collect food scraps from folks and process them at a shared facility. It’s perfect if you wish you could compost but don’t have room or time for your own bin.
– Lots of local governments and nonprofits run these programs too. You can drop off your scraps at designated spots or join a group that takes care of everything.
Composting with Indoor Bins and Tumblers
Got some extra room ? Indoor bins & tumblers are neat options!
– There’s a bunch of bins designed just for city living! These help mix green (food scraps) and brown (like paper & leaves) materials.
– When managed right, these bins quietly sit in the corner without smelling bad. You could even keep them near the kitchen for easy access while cooking!
– Just like with vermicomposting, keeping stuff at the right moisture level & adding the right things helps avoid odors and keeps everything running smoothly.
Balcony or Rooftop Composting
If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, a balcony or rooftop composting is awesome! It’s a great way to use sunshine & fresh air.
– Picking the Right System: Choose a compact bin or tumbler that fits your spot just right!
– You can throw in veggie peels, fruit scraps, & plant clippings — just steer clear of items that might attract bugs!
Electric Composters
For those who want something modern and easy, electric composters are getting popular in cities! These little machines break down food scraps quickly—what could be easier?
– Electric composters use heat and movement to speed up decomposition. They can turn food waste into usable compost in just 24 hours!
– If you’re short on time or don’t want the hassle of managing regular bins, electric ones are great alternatives. They’re especially neat for apartments since they don’t need outdoor space.
– All you gotta do is toss in your food scraps, hit a button, & let the machine do its thing!
Here are some electric composter options worth checking out: Lomi by Pela, Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50, Reencle Prime & Kalea Electric Kitchen Composter.
Backyard Composting for Outdoor Space
Got access to a backyard? If so, backyard composting is one of the best methods around! I tried it in my friend’s backyard; it’s perfect if you’ve got room!
You can read my detailed post about backyard composting if you’re interested!
How to Use Finished Compost in Urban Settings
I love using my finished compost on my balcony veggie garden and indoor herbs! It’s incredible how much healthier my plants have grown since I started using homemade compost!
– Don’t worry if you don’t have an actual garden — you can still use compost for potted plants or container gardens! I grow microgreens too—the homemade compost really helps them thrive!
– Got too much compost? Think about donating some to local farms or community gardens!
I’ve shared some with friends working on urban farming projects like hydroponics and pollinator gardens—it’s such a nice way to pitch in for our community!
Urban composting is a way to reduce your waste, enrich your plants, and contribute to a more sustainable city life.
Whichever method you select from among vermicomposting, Bokashi, or community composting, there’s a method that fits every space and lifestyle.
For me, composting has not only enhanced the health of my gardens but also enhanced my connection with nature. So, what are you waiting for?
