A GUIDE TO COMPOSTING: HOW TO COMPOST

There are several methods for composting, depending on your living situation and resources. Here’s an overview:

Backyard Composting

Choose a Location: Select a dry, shady spot near a water source.

Layer Materials: Start with a layer of coarse brown material (e.g., sticks or twigs) to improve drainage. Alternate layers of green and brown materials.

Turn the Pile: Mix the compost regularly (about once a week) to aerate and speed up decomposition.

Keep it Moist: Your compost pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Add water if it’s dry.

Vermicomposting (Using Worms)

Ideal for apartments or small spaces.

Use red wiggler worms in a bin filled with damp bedding (e.g., shredded newspaper).

Feed the worms small amounts of kitchen scraps.

Harvest worm castings (compost) after a few months for your plants.

Bokashi Composting

A fermentation-based method using a sealed bin and a special mix of microorganisms.

Great for composting meat, dairy, and other kitchen scraps that traditional composting can’t handle.

Municipal Composting

Many cities offer green waste bins for organic materials. Check with your local waste management service to see if they provide composting programs.

Why Composting Helps the Planet

• Reduces Landfill Waste

  • Food and yard waste make up a significant portion of landfill materials. Composting diverts these materials from landfills, where they would otherwise produce methane—a potent greenhouse gas.

• Cuts Greenhouse Gas Emissions

  • Decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane due to the lack of oxygen. Composting uses aerobic decomposition, which doesn’t create methane.

• Improves Soil Health

  • Compost enriches soil with nutrients, improving its ability to retain moisture and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Healthier soil can also absorb more carbon from the atmosphere.

• Supports Biodiversity

  • Compost fosters healthy ecosystems by creating a nutrient-rich environment for microorganisms, earthworms, and insects.

• Conserves Water

  • Compost improves soil’s water retention, reducing the need for irrigation and helping plants thrive in drier conditions.

• Promotes Circular Economy

  • Composting closes the loop on food and organic waste, turning what would be trash into a valuable resource.

Tips for Successful Composting

Balance Greens and Browns: Aim for a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens for optimal decomposition.

Chop or Shred: Break materials into smaller pieces to speed up the composting process.

Avoid Overwatering: Too much water can make your compost pile smell or slow down decomposition.

Keep it Aerated: Turning your compost pile regularly prevents it from becoming anaerobic (and smelly).

Composting in Small Spaces

Use an indoor composting bin or vermicomposting setup if you don’t have outdoor space. Freeze scraps in a container and drop them off at a local composting center or farmers' market with a collection program. Many urban areas have composting co-ops or community gardens that accept organic waste.

Composting Impact in Numbers

Diverting 1 ton of food waste from landfills reduces greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking a car off the road for 2 months. Composting improves soil’s ability to sequester carbon, reducing overall emissions.