Composting in Apartment Living: Small-Scale Solutions

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up on sustainable practices like composting.

In fact, composting in apartment living is not only possible but also highly beneficial for the environment and your indoor plants.

By diverting organic waste from landfills and turning it into nutrient-rich compost, you can contribute to a greener future while enjoying the benefits of natural fertilizers for your plants.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of composting in apartment living, providing you with practical tips, step-by-step instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

 1. The Benefits of Composting in Apartment Living

Composting in apartment living offers a range of benefits for both individuals and the environment. Here are some key advantages:

• Reducing Waste: Americans throw out 4.9 pounds of trash per person every day — that’s nearly 1,800 pounds of materials per American every year.[1] Composting allows you to divert organic waste, such as food scraps and plant trimmings, from ending up in landfills. By doing so, you reduce methane emissions and contribute to a more sustainable waste management system.
• Creating Nutrient-Rich Soil: The compost produced from apartment composting is a valuable resource for creating nutrient-rich soil. It improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and provides essential nutrients for healthy plant growth.
• Promoting Sustainable Gardening: The compost produced can be used to nourish indoor plants, balcony gardens, or even community gardens. It helps foster a sustainable approach to gardening and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Educational Opportunity: Composting in apartments provides a valuable educational opportunity, allowing you to learn about the natural cycles of decomposition, soil health, and the importance of sustainable practices.

2. Getting Started: Essential Supplies and Setup

Before diving into apartment composting, it’s essential to gather the necessary supplies and set up a suitable composting system. Here’s what you’ll need:

Supplies:

• A composting bin or container: Choose a size appropriate for your apartment space, such as a small countertop bin or a larger indoor composter.
• Brown: Examples include shredded newspaper, dried leaves, or cardboard. Paper and paperboard, some of which could be composted and the rest of which could be recycled, make up nearly a quarter (23.1%) of America’s trash.[2]
• Green: Food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and tea bags are ideal nitrogen sources. Food waste and yard trimmings make up more than a third (33.7%) of U.S. garbage and are organic and easily compostable.[3]
• A composting tool: A small hand trowel or compost turner will come in handy for mixing and aerating the compost.
• Optional: Activators such as compost starter or worm castings can speed up the decomposition process.

Setup:

1. Select a designated spot in your apartment for the composting bin. Ideally, it should be well-ventilated and away from direct sunlight.
2. Line the bottom of the bin with a layer of carbon-rich materials, such as shredded newspaper or cardboard, to provide aeration and drainage.
3. Add a layer of nitrogen-rich materials, such as food scraps and coffee grounds.
4. Continue layering carbon and nitrogen materials, ensuring a good balance between the two.
5. Use the composting tool to mix the contents periodically, promoting decomposition and preventing odors.
6. Keep the compost moist but not overly wet. Sprinkle water as needed to maintain the right moisture level.
7. Monitor the composting process and adjust the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio if necessary.

3. Choosing the Right Composting Method for Apartments

When it comes to composting in apartment living, several methods are suitable for limited spaces. Here are a few options to consider:

Indoor Composting:

• Vermicomposting: Utilizes worms to break down organic matter quickly. Ideal for small spaces and can be done in a specialized worm bin.
• Bokashi Composting: Fermentation process that uses beneficial microorganisms. Requires an airtight container and can handle a wide range of organic waste.

Outdoor Composting:

• Balcony or Patio Composting: Utilize compact composters or compost tumblers designed for small spaces.
• Community Composting: Join a local community composting initiative where you can contribute your organic waste to a shared composting system.

4. Composting Dos and Don’ts for Apartment Dwellers

To ensure successful composting in apartment living, it’s important to follow some dos and don’ts:

Dos:

• Balance Carbon and Nitrogen: Maintain a balanced ratio of carbon-rich materials (browns) to nitrogen-rich materials (greens) for optimal decomposition.
• Chop or Shred Large Materials: Break down larger food scraps or plant materials into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition.
• Aerate the Compost: Regularly mix or turn the compost to provide oxygen and prevent foul odors.
• Monitor Moisture Levels: Keep the compost moist but not soggy. Adjust moisture by adding water or dry materials as needed.
• Cover the Compost: Use a lid or breathable cover to prevent pests from accessing the compost.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Dairy and Meat Products: These can attract pests and cause unpleasant odors. Stick to vegetable-based food scraps.
• Avoid Oily or Greasy Food Waste: These can slow down the composting process and create a sticky mess.
• Don’t Overload the Composter: Add waste gradually, allowing for proper decomposition and preventing overwhelming the system.
• Avoid Adding Diseased or Pesticide-Laden Plant Material: These can potentially harm the compost and affect its quality.

5. Step-by-Step Guide to Indoor Composting

Indoor composting in apartments requires a slightly different approach compared to outdoor composting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Choose Your Indoor Composting Method: Decide between vermicomposting or bokashi composting based on your preferences and available space.
2. Set Up Your Composting System: Select a suitable bin or container for your chosen method and gather the necessary materials and tools.
3. Prepare the Composting Bin: Line the bottom of the bin with a layer of carbon-rich materials for drainage and aeration.
4. Add Your Organic Waste: Layer nitrogen-rich food scraps with carbon-rich materials, maintaining a balanced ratio.
5. Monitor Moisture Levels: Check the moisture level regularly and adjust by adding water or dry materials as needed.
6. Aerate and Mix: Use a composting tool to gently mix and aerate the compost, ensuring oxygen reaches the microorganisms.
7. Manage Odors: Cover the compost or use specialized filters to minimize odors.
8. Maintain and Harvest: Follow the specific instructions for your chosen method regarding maintenance and harvesting of compost.

6. Managing Odor and Pests in Indoor Composting

Managing odor and pests is crucial for a pleasant indoor composting experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Odor Control: Maintain a proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, avoid adding oily or greasy food waste, and cover the compost with a breathable lid. If odors persist, consider adding a layer of carbon-rich material or using specialized compost filters. You can refer to the formula for calculating the C/N ratio here.
• Pest Prevention: Prevent pests by avoiding dairy and meat products, burying food waste beneath a layer of compost, and ensuring the compost is not overly wet. If pests are still a problem, try adding a layer of coffee grounds or placing a barrier, such as a fine mesh, over the compost.

7. Harvesting and Using Compost in Apartment Gardens

Harvesting compost from your apartment composting system is a rewarding process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Monitor the Composting Process: Regularly check the compost for signs of dark, crumbly texture and an earthy smell. This indicates that the compost is ready. The fact that substantial amounts of food are produced but not eaten by humans has substantial negative impacts: environmentally, socially and economically. Estimates suggest that 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food that is not consumed.[4]
2. Stop Adding New Waste: Cease adding fresh waste a few weeks before harvesting to allow the compost to stabilize.
3. Separate the Compost: Use a screen or sift through the compost to separate the fully decomposed material from any larger, unfinished pieces.
4. Store and Use the Compost: Transfer the finished compost to a separate container or use it directly in your apartment garden. Mix it into potting soil, sprinkle it around plants, or create a nutrient-rich tea for watering.

8. Troubleshooting Common Issues in Apartment Composting

Apartment composting may encounter a few challenges along the way. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Foul Odors: Adjust the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, mix the compost thoroughly, and ensure proper airflow.
• Fruit Flies or Gnats: Cover the compost or use a specialized filter, bury food waste, and ensure the compost is not overly wet.
• Mold Growth: Mix the compost to increase airflow and avoid adding excessively moist materials.
• Slow Decomposition: Check the moisture level, adjust the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and chop or shred larger materials.

9. Making Composting a Community Effort in Apartments

Engaging your apartment community in composting can lead to even greater sustainability efforts. Here are some ideas to involve your neighbors:

• Educational Workshops: Organize composting workshops or information sessions to introduce your neighbors to the benefits and methods of composting.
• Community Composting Bins: Advocate for the installation of shared composting bins in communal areas or encourage the management to consider community composting initiatives.
• Composting Co-ops: Establish a cooperative composting system where residents can contribute their organic waste to a shared composting system.

10. Taking Composting to the Next Level: Vermicomposting in Apartments

Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is an excellent option for apartment dwellers looking to enhance their composting efforts. Here’s what you need to know:

• Worm Selection: Choose red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) or another suitable worm species specifically bred for composting.
• Bin Setup: Set up a specialized worm bin with adequate bedding, moisture, and ventilation to create an ideal habitat for the worms.
• Feeding the Worms: Provide the worms with a balanced diet of kitchen scraps, avoiding citrus fruits, onions, and garlic.
• Harvesting Worm Castings: Harvest the nutrient-rich worm castings periodically by separating the worms from the compost. Use the castings to enrich your apartment garden or indoor plants.

11. The Role of Composting in Sustainable Apartment Living

Composting in apartment living goes beyond waste reduction. It contributes to a holistic sustainable lifestyle by:

• Reducing Carbon Footprint: Composting reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, where it would release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Promoting Circular Economy: Composting enables the transformation of organic waste into valuable resources, closing the loop and minimizing the need for external inputs.
• Fostering Environmental Awareness: Apartment composting raises awareness about the impact of individual actions on the environment, encouraging sustainable practices among residents.
• Creating Green Spaces: The use of compost in apartment gardens enhances the aesthetic appeal and creates green havens within urban environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Composting in apartment living is a practical and sustainable solution for urban dwellers. By implementing the right composting methods, following best practices, and engaging your apartment community, you can contribute to a greener future while enjoying the benefits of nutrient-rich compost for your indoor plants and gardens. Embrace the power of composting and make a positive impact on the environment right from the comfort of your apartment.