How to Composting Kitchen Scraps Easily at Home in 2024

Managing kitchen scraps can be a simple and rewarding process, but it often feels amazing for beginners. Many people throw away food waste, but they do not know that it can be turned into rich compost that helps to grow a healthy gardens. In this article we will explain step by step in a manner that anyone can follow to compost kitchen scraps easily. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or beginner interested in minimizing waste at home, this tips which I will share below that help you to create a better compost in your kitchen! So, let's begin! 

Now we are focusing what is the key Problems:

A lot of food waste ends up in landfills, and along with them comes the release of greenhouse gases and environmental pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food scraps make up about 30% of what we throw away, yet they are fully compostable. So, the organic materials that could have been used to create rich nutrients for the living soil are not only lost, but it creates become a landfill-clogging problem. On top of that, many people think that composting requires expensive equipment or vast amounts of space. They ask themselves questions like:

• What can I compost from my kitchen?
• Do I need a big garden?
• Will it smell bad or attract pests?

These myths often discourage people from starting composting. It’s true that when composting is done incorrectly, it can show's various problems like odors, or worse, attracting pests like rats or flies. Also, compostable items will not compost if you do not understand what to add. Many people mixed the wrong materials which either slows down the process or creates badly composted matter which cannot be used.

But, what if we told you composting kitchen scraps is not only easy process but also it requires little time, effort, and space? You don't need a farm to compost—you can even do it in a small apartment or in your backyard by using some simple techniques. You can start it by knowing the correct ratio of materials and maintaining proper ventilation and feeding your compost pile properly, then you can get a better compost in your home.

Solution of this Issue : Let’s go through the process of how to compost kitchen scraps step by step, so you can handle your waste sustainably and make nutrient-rich compost for your plants.

Easy Steps to Compost Kitchen Scraps

# Step 1: Understand What You Can Compost

One of the most important steps to successful composting is that you have to know what scraps are compostable. Kitchen scraps fall into two categories: greens and browns.

• Greens are moist and rich in nitrogen. Examples include vegetable peels, fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and tea leaves.
• Browns are dry and rich in carbon. Examples include dry leaves, paper towels, cardboard, and newspaper was cut into small pieces.

Always keep maintaining the ratio of these two components is essential for the composting process. For a typical compost pile, aim for a ratio of 2 to 3 parts browns to 1 part greens. You must create hole to your compost bin  for air flow and stops your compost from getting too soggy or packed, which can cause smelly issues.

Pro tip: Always avoid to add such type of materials like meat, dairy products, oils, and large amounts of citrus. Because these items take longer to decompose and can attract by pests.

# Step 2: Choose Your Composting Method

Before chooseing composting method, at first look where you are living right now. Because composting you can choose the composting method which suit for your space and needs. Here we are discussing some composting methods :

1. Backyard Composting: If you have outdoor space, setting up a compost bin or pile is the easiest method. You just need a spot in your yard to pile up your scraps and brown materials. Turning the compost every few weeks helps to airing out the pile and speed up decomposition.

• Case Study: A study by Cornell University said that home composters by using backyard piles managed to reduce their household waste by 30-40%. In one year, this caused a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions equal to removing a car from the road for 2-3 months. 

2. Compost Tumblers: 

For faster results, you can invest in a compost tumbler. Tumblers are closed containers that you rotate regularly, to help air the compost and make it break down faster. They work well if you want to avoid dealing with pests and have limited space.

3. Vermicomposting: 

If you don’t have a yard? No problem. You can composting indoors by using worms! Vermicomposting uses worms (mainly by red wigglers) to break down food scraps quickly. All in one you need is a small bin with bedding material (shredded paper, straw) and food scraps. Then the worms do the rest work.

• Case Study: A community project in North Carolina found that residents using vermicomposting were able to reduce kitchen waste by 70%. On top of that, participants found worm composting to be a “fun and educational” experience, especially for children. 

4. Bokashi Composting: 

This is another great indoor option for you, if you want composting by meat, dairy, food scraps. Bokashi is a fermentation process that allows you to compost all kinds of food scraps, even meats and dairy, which are usually a traditional composting. Bokashi needs special bran mix to put on the food scraps, and takes about 2-4 weeks for the fermentation. Once the scraps are fermented, they can be buried them in the garden to breakdown completely.

Now you have read all above the composting method, let's think which is the best for your space.

# Step 3: Build Your Compost Pile Layer by Layer

After choosing your composting method, it’s time to start building your compost pile. A well-layered compost pile is the key to reduce bad smell and speed up the breakdown process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with a Base Layer of Browns: This can be straw, dry leaves, or shredded cardboard. The brown materials allow airflow to the bottom of the pile. 
2. Add a Layer of Greens: Next  add  a green layer such as, kitchen waste like eggshells, coffee grounds, and fruit and vegetable peels. The fragments will decompose more quickly if they are chopped into smaller pieces.
3. Alternate Layers: Layers browns and greens until you run out of materials. Always finish with a layer of browns to cover the food scraps and avoid attracting pests.
4. Water as Needed: Your compost pile should be damp but not soaking wet. Watering it lightly because it helps to attacts microorganisms that break down the materials.
5. Turn the Pile Regularly: If you’re using a traditional outdoor pile, then turning it every 1-2 weeks that will help to add oxygen. Then your composting speed up process increases and reduce bad smell. This is helped by tumblers, and less turning is needed for Bokashi and vermicomposting.

# Step 4: Monitor Your Compost

Monitoring is necessary during the active phase of composting to ensure that everything work perfectly. Here are a few signs must be noticed by you :

• Heat: A compost pile that is working well will produce heat in the center, which is an indication that the microbes are actively breaking down the material. If your pile isn’t heating up, you may need to add additional greens or turn it to introduce more oxygen.

• Moisture: If the pile becomes too dry, decomposition slows. If it becomes too moist, it may begin to smell. A healthy compost pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge, neither too dry nor too wet.

• Smell: A healthy compost pile should have an earthy smell. If it starts to smell bad or rotten, that’s a sign you’ve to added too many greens materials. 

# Step 5: Harvest Your Compost

Depending on the method used, compost might take anywhere from a few months to a year to mature. When your compost is ready, it will be black, crumbly, and smell like fresh soil. This nutrient-dense substance is ideal for use in garden beds, potted plants, or as a top fertilizer for lawns.

Pro tip: Before you use your compost, sift it to eliminate any large, undecomposed bits. These can be returned to your compost pile to complete the breakdown process.

Also read: How to speed up composting method by easy way

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

# 1. Adding Too Many Greens: If you fill your pile with kitchen scraps but not enough browns, your compost may become heavily wet and begin to smell. To correct this, add more browns, such as shredded paper or dried leaves.

# 2. Neglecting to Turn the Pile: Without regular turning, your compost may become compact, reducing air circulation and slowing decomposition. Even compost tumblers should be changed on a regular basis.

# 3. Composting Inappropriate Items: Always avoid adding such type of materials like meat, oils, dairy products in your compost. unless you’re using a specialized method like Bokashi,then you can add that materials. Otherwise, these items take longer time to break down and can attract by pests.

Benefits of Composting Kitchen Scraps

• Reduce Waste: Composting largely reduces the amount of kitchen waste that goes to landfills. So, by taking this method, you not only produce organic fertilizers but also help our environment to be safe to reduce greenhouse gases.

• Nutrient-Rich Soil: The finished compost can be used in gardens to enhance soil health, improve water retention, and encourage beneficial microorganisms.

• Cost Savings: By making your own compost  by using best compost material, you save money on buying commercial fertilizers.

• Healthier Plants: Plants grow in compost-rich soil, which leads to grow stronger, higher production, and more excellent blooms.

How to Compost Kitchen Waste in Apartments

Composting in an apartment is easier than your thought! Here are two simple methods:

1. Vermicomposting: Use a small bin with red wiggler worms to break down your kitchen scraps. The worms eat the food and produce rich compost. It's odorless and can fit under a kitchen sink or on a balcony.
2. Bokashi Composting: This method uses fermentation to decompose all types of food waste, even meat and dairy. Breaking down scraps requires an airtight bucket and a specific bran. After fermentation, the compost can be buried in a garden or planting box.

Both methods are compact, odorless, and perfect for apartment dwellers!

How to Compost Food Waste for Your Garden

Composting food waste for your garden is simple and effective. Let's follow these steps:

1. Collect Scraps: Gather compostable kitchen waste like vegetable peels, fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods.
2. Layer Greens and Browns: Start with a layer of dry materials (browns like shredded paper or dry leaves) and alternate with kitchen scraps (greens). This ensures good airflow and balanced decomposition.
3. Maintain Moisture: Keep the pile moist, like a damp sponge, but not soaked. Add water if it gets too dry.
4. Turn the Pile: Air calculate the pile by turning it every 1-2 weeks to speed up decomposition.
5. Harvest Compost: When it turns dark, crumbly, and smells earthy, it's ready to use. Spread it over your garden beds to improve the soil and promote plant growth.

How to Compost Kitchen Scraps Easily (DIY)

Composting kitchen scraps at home can be simple and cost-effective with a few basic steps:

1. Choose a Container: You can use a compost bin, a tumbler, or even an old plastic container with holes for ventilation.
2. Add Kitchen Scraps: Include vegetable peels, fruit scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods.
3. Layer with Browns: Add dry leaves, paper, or cardboard to balance the moisture level.
4. Turn the Compost: Stir the pile every 1-2 weeks to add oxygen and speed up decomposition.
5. Harvest the Compost: After 3-6 months, your compost will be ready for use in your garden.

This quick, easy method turns kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost with minimum effort.

Also read : Few easy step to make best compost in home

How to Compost Kitchen Scraps Easily at Home

In my personal experience, Composting kitchen scraps at home is very simple and requires just a few steps. Which I am follow last 3 years to produce compost for my garden.

1. Choose a Method: Select a composting method that fits your space—whether I suggest you to take backyard composting. Otherwise you can take using methods of vermicomposting with worms, or Bokashi composting indoors.
2. Balance Your Greens and Browns: Layer kitchen scraps (greens) like vegetable peels and coffee grounds with dry materials (browns) such as shredded paper or leaves. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens.
3. Turn and Maintain: Must be follow this step Turn the pile or rotate the tumbler every 1-2 weeks. Keep the compost moist, but not too wet. Always keep on mind that oxygen supply is really necessary to be create a good compost and reduce bad smell.
4. Harvest: In a few months, your scraps will break down into rich compost, ready to use for your plants or gardens. 

 

What Is the Easiest Way to Compost?

The easiest way to compost kitchen scraps is vermicomposting. This method uses worms to break down food waste quickly and efficiently. All you need is a small bin, bedding material (like shredded paper), and red worms. Simply add your kitchen scraps, and the worms will do the rest! Vermicomposting is perfect for small spaces, requires minimum effort, and avoids common issues like bad smell and pests. It's an excellent choice for beginners searching for an easy indoor composting method.

 

Final Thoughts: Composting is Simple and Rewarding

Composting kitchen scraps is a simple approach to improve the environment while also improving your yard. Follow these procedures and avoid common mistakes to convert your food waste into valuable, nutrient-rich compost. Start small, be consistent, and watch your compost pile turn into black gold over time!

Remember, composting is a journey; whether you're handling a small kitchen bin or a vast backyard pile, each scrap you compost makes a difference.

Some related FAQ

1.What kitchen scraps can I compost?

You can compost fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, tea bags, and plant-based kitchen waste. Avoid composting meat, dairy, oils, and large amounts of citrus as they decompose slowly and attract pests.

2. Do kitchen scraps smell when composting?

Compost that is properly maintained does not have a bad smell. To minimize bad smells, balance your greens (kitchen waste) with browns (dry leaves, paper) and provide sufficient ventilation in the pile.

3. How long does it take to compost kitchen scraps?

The time depends on the composting method you choose. Outdoor piles can take 3-6 months to produce usable compost, while compost tumblers or vermicomposting can speed up the process to 1-3 months.

4. Can I compost kitchen scraps indoors?

Yes! Indoor composting methods like vermicomposting (with worms) or Bokashi composting allow you to compost kitchen scraps in small spaces without bad smells.

5. Do I need a lot of space to compost kitchen scraps?

No, you don’t need much space. Small-scale options like vermicomposting bins or compact compost tumblers are perfect for those with limited outdoor space or apartments.

6. How can I speed up composting kitchen scraps?

To speed up composting you have to maintain the key features of composting. Firstly, cut kitchen scraps into smaller pieces, maintain a proper green-brown balance, and rotate the compost pile on a regular basis to give it air.

7. Will composting attract pests to my home or garden?

If done correctly, composting should not attract pests. Cover food scraps with brown materials, avoid adding meat or dairy, and use a sealed bin or tumbler to prevent pests.

8. Can I compost citrus peels?

Citrus peels can be composted in small amounts, but avoid adding too many as they are acidic in nature. So, they can slow down the composting process. If you do compost them, then balance with bt adding extra browns.

9. How do I know when my compost is ready to use?

Compost is ready when it is black, crumbly, and smells earthy. The majority of the items should be completely decomposed and no longer like the original kitchen scraps.