Composting helps people who live in apartments. It cuts down waste and makes healthy soil for plants. Some people think composting is only for big yards, but this is not true. In this post, we will share you best 5 composting methods for apartments. These options work well with your space and lifestyle.

Problem: The Waste Dilemma in Urban Living

In urban cities,  waste management is a big problem. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says about 35% of waste in the U.S. is organic material, which people can compost. But a lot of this waste goes to landfills. In landfills, the waste breaks down and creates harmful gases like methane. For people living in apartments, dealing with waste can feel onwards. They want to help the environment but may not have much space or resources.

Case Study: The Urban Waste Crisis

In 2021, New York City reported that people created about 12,000 tons of organic waste every day. This added to the city’s landfill problems. New York has about 8.3 million people, so it needs good composting solutions. Many people in the city want to help reduce waste, but they don’t have the tools or space to compost in the usual way.

Agitation: The Consequences of Ignoring Composting

Not composting can cause problems. It adds to the environmental crisis, and city people lose many benefits. These include:

1. Improved Soil Quality: Compost adds nutrients to the soil, helping plants to grow well.
2. Less waste: Composting cuts down the amount of trash you throw away. This can lower your garbage bills.

1. Connection to Nature: Composting helps you connect with the environment and live in a more sustainable way.

People in apartments may feel bad about their waste, but they don’t have to be that way. By finding a composting method that suits your home, you can make a positive change.

Best 5 Composting Methods for Apartments in 2024

Here, we’ll explore various composting methods specially for apartment living. Each method considers space, time, and the ability to manage odors and pests proper way.

1. Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)

What is it? 

Vermicomposting involves using red wiggler worms to decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. This method is excellent for small spaces and also, it can be set up in your indoors.

How it Works:

1. Setup: Create or buy a worm bin. You can use a plastic box with holes for air. The bin needs a lid to keep it dark and prevent pests.
2. Add Bedding: Start with shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir as bedding for the worms.
3. Feed the Worms: Add kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods, as these can attract pests.
4. Maintenance: Always remember, Keep the bin moist but not soggy. In about three to six months, you’ll have rich compost ready for use in your garden.

Case Study: City Worms Project A successful initiative called City Worms in Toronto, teaches apartment people, how to set up vermicomposting systems. Participants have reported a significant reduction in their kitchen waste and they use the compost for their indoor plants and see better plant growth.

2. Bokashi Composting

What is it? 

Bokashi is a fermentation-based composting method. It uses a mix of microorganisms to break down food scraps. This method is particularly suitable for apartments as it requires small space and produces less smell.

How it Works:

1. Get a Bokashi Bin: You need a Bokashi bin with a lid that seals tightly. This stops smells and keeps pests away.
2. Add Food Waste: Layer kitchen scraps in the bin and sprinkle Bokashi bran (which contains the microorganisms).
3. Fermentation: Close the lid tightly after adding food. Allow the mixture to ferment for about two weeks.
4. Finish Composting: After two weeks, bury the fermented scraps in the soil or put them in a traditional compost bin to finish composting.

Case Study: Urban Bokashi : The Urban Bokashi program in San Francisco teaches apartment residents how to use fermentation to manage food waste. The program offers workshops to help people learn this method. Participants say it is easy to use and works well. They also notice that after using this method, their kitchen smell reduces.

3. Countertop Composters

What is it?

Countertop composters are small electric devices that help you to decompose food waste into nutrient-rich compost. You can easily place them on your kitchen counter. They break down food scraps quickly and can make compost in just a few hours.

How it Works:

1. Add Food Waste: Put your kitchen scraps in the composter for composting. 
2. Operation: The machine uses heat, grinding, and air to break down the waste quickly.
3. Collect Compost: You can use the compost for your houseplants or garden.

Case Study: FoodCycler : The FoodCycler is a popular countertop composter that reduces food waste by up to 90%. Users report that it best to eliminates odors. This makes it a good choice for small living spaces. Many residents of urban apartments have shared positive feedback for this composter. They find it easy to manage their food scraps without any mess or bad smells. 

4. Community Composting

What is it? 

If space is a significant constraint, consider community composting. Many cities have communal composting programs that allow residents to drop off their organic waste.

If your living space is limited, then you think about community composting. Many cities have communal composting programs where people can bring their organic waste to a shared composting site.

How it Works:

1. Find a Local Program: Check for community composting options near you. Some neighborhoods have places or local farms where you can drop off food scraps or they accept food scraps. 

2. Participate: Bring your compostable materials to the site regularly. Some places may even give you compost in return. 

Case Study: Compost NYC : Compost NYC is a program that encourages new Yorkers to bring their food scraps to community gardens and parks. People who join this program says that they feel closer to their community and the environment. Many have also found that contributing to a community composting effort largely reduces their waste output. 

5. Bokashi and Worm Combo

What is it?

 For easy composting in small spaces, try using Bokashi composting with vermicomposting. This way, you can compost faster and reduce waste.

How it Works:

1. Ferment: Use Bokashi to ferment your kitchen scraps.

2. Worm Bin: After fermentation, put the scraps in a worm bin to break down them properly and enrich nutrients.

Case Study: Dual Composting Initiative A local environmental group in Seattle held a dual composting workshop. They taught residents how to use two composting methods together. People said that they saw less waste and healthy soil for their indoor plants.

How to Compost in an Apartment Balcony

Composting on your apartment balcony helps you recycle food scraps and make nutrient rich soil. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose a Compost Bin

Select a small compost bin that fits your balcony. You can buy a ready-made bin or make one using a plastic container with holes for air. Ensure it has a lid to keep out pests.

2. Select Compostable Materials

Add kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods as they can attract pests and create odors.

3. Layering

Start with a layer of dry materials, like leaves or shredded paper, at the bottom of the bin. Then, add your kitchen scraps. This helps with drainage and reduces bad smells.

4. Mixing

Turn the compost every few weeks to mix the materials. This helps air circulate and speeds up the composting process. You can use a small garden fork or a stick to mix it.

5. Monitor Moisture

Keep the compost moist, but not too wet. If it feels dry, add a little water. If it’s too wet, add dry materials like shredded paper or leaves.

6. Harvesting the Compost

In a few months, the compost will break down into dark, crumbly soil. So, you can use this rich compost for plants of your balcony or garden.

Composting on your balcony is simple and beneficial. By following these steps, you can reduce waste and create healthy soil for your plants. So, from now start composting at your apartment balcony. 

Learn easy step for composting at home for beginners

Apartment Compost Bin DIY

Making your own compost bin for your apartment is a simple and cost-effective way to recycle kitchen scraps and reduce waste. Here’s a quick guide to help you create your own DIY compost bin.

Materials Needed:

1. Container: Use a plastic or wooden container with a lid. A 5-gallon bucket works well, or you can use an old storage bin.
2. Drill: To make holes for airflow and drainage.
3. Bedding: Use materials like shredded newspaper, cardboard, or dry leaves.
4. Food Scraps: Gather fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods.

Steps to Create Your Compost Bin:

1. Prepare the Container:

If using a plastic bucket, drill small holes in the sides and bottom for airflow and drainage. If you’re using a wooden bin, ensure there are gaps between the slats.

2. Add Bedding:

Start with a layer of bedding at the bottom. This helps absorb moisture and adds carbon to the mix.

3. Add Food Scraps:

Place your kitchen scraps on top of the bedding. Make sure to alternate layers of food scraps and bedding.

4. Mix It Up:

Every few weeks, stir the compost to aerate it. This helps speed up the composting process.

5. Maintain Your Bin:

Keep the bin in a cool, shaded spot. Check it regularly to ensure it’s not too wet or too dry. If it smells, add more bedding.

Using the Compost: After a few months, the compost should be dark and crumbly. You can use it to enrich the soil for your indoor plants or garden.This DIY compost bin is an easy way to manage waste in your apartment and create valuable compost for your plants. Give it a try and start composting today. 

Conclusion: Start Composting Today!

You can compost in an apartment, and it’s easier than your think. From the best 5 composting methods for apartment, you have to choose one, which fit for your environment. I have clearly discussing above all of their features. So, you can easily reduce of your organic waste and help to create a green environment by choosing one. The examples show that many people living in urban cities are composting by these methods, even they are living in a small spaces.
If you are feeling stressed out, remember that you do not have to be perfect. Every small step helps to create a big one. You can start with vermicomposting or join a local composting organization. Both produce a beneficial impact. So, collect your kitchen waste, choose a method, and start composting now!