If I had a shirt that said I JUST STARTED COMPOSTING AND YOU SHOULD TOO! I would wear it. But really, composting is incredibly easy, has tons of benefits that I won’t get into here, and did I mention it’s really easy. I’ll share what composter I used and what you should know before getting started. At the end of the post, I’ll include helpful links with more info if you’re really curious. But let’s start with the basics.
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Step 1: Buy a composter (or make it)
There are plenty of DIY options, so if you’ve got some time and want a project knock yourself out. I decided to order a dual chamber tumbling composter. Basically, it’s a compost bin on a stand that makes it easy for turning, which speeds the composting process.
I went with the YIMBY Tumbler Composter
The downside of buying any of these composters is that you have to assemble them once you get home. We like to forget about that part. This wasn’t the easiest thing to put together, but I already did it and I’m going to save you an hour or so of frustration:
First tip is get the right tools. You need a flat-head screwdriver and a size 10 wrench (or one that adjusts to a size 10). Check out the picture so you don’t mess this part up.
Then, watch this video some kind person put together after trying to build the composter based off the terrible instruction manual. I watched it once to the end and then kept pausing it as I finished the different steps.
When you’re done, this is what you get:
Step 2: Start Composting
Add in your kitchen scraps and yard waste and wait for the magic to happen. You only have to give the composter a few turns a couple times a week. Yeah it’s really that easy.
Collect your kitchen scraps in a container or jar. If you’re worried about attracting bugs, you can keep the container in your freezer or fridge.
Stop here or keep reading if you want more resources and tips.
What Can I Compost?
An easier question to answer is what should you NOT compost:
- meat scraps, bones, fat (it will smell and attract rodents. Ew)
- dairy
- fish
- inorganic material (like metal, aluminum foil, plastic)
- cat/dog droppings (that’s a different project, and only works in some climates – otherwise, most municipalities are totally cool with flushing your dog poop down the toilet)
If you’re unsure, look it up.
Uh, am i doing this right?
The basic rule of composting is to have 1 part carbon (brown stuff) and 2 part nitrogen (green stuff). No need to get technical though – After you add your pile of kitchen scraps, just throw a layer of brown material like dry leaves on top. For reference:
Carbon/Brown examples:
- fruit and vegetable scraps
- table scraps
- weeds and grass trimmings
Nitrogen/Green examples:
- dried leaves
- wood chips
- straw and sawdust
- dryer lint
One surprising benefit I noticed was that after I started composting my kitchen scraps, my garbage no longer smelled because there was no organic material in it. You’ll definitely have less of a need to take out the trash until it’s really full.
Tip: I keep my kitchen scraps in a container in my freezer. Once it’s full, I carry it out to dump the scraps into my composter. This means ZERO smells.
If You live on a college campus…
Look into what your campus is doing with food scraps. If they don’t have a composting initiative already, find out what you can do. They might even let you set up a small composting project for your dorm. Many universities do have food recycling or composting programs, but sometimes you have to push them or work with a campus organization to start the initiative.
Composting at your apartment
Before you go crazy buying your own composter, check with your city to see what composting initiatives they have. When I lived in Providence, for example, there were several nearby community gardens that accepted compostable materials. Sometimes the city even has a program where they or an outside organization picks up scraps. This is a great option if you don’t have a lot of space for a garden and won’t need the finished product.
The second option is to start your own mini composting operation (like the composting tumbler I built). It doesn’t take up a lot of space, so your landlord/lady shouldn’t have a problem with it. You can used the finished compost on house plants, a small outdoor garden, or find someone who needs it.
More Resources
You now know all you need to get started, but below are some additional sources of information:
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- You can buy the YIMBY Tumbling Composter on Amazon
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- These are the different types of composters. A tumbling composter like the one I used is great for those with limited space, but I’ve heard good things about worm bins too.
- CanICompostThis.com – Great site if you have that random scrap you’re not sure if you should toss in your composter. Also has guides for getting started and using your compost.
- Tips for composting in the winter – I live in New England, so the composting process will change a bit once the temperature drops, but you can still compost all year round.
- You can buy the YIMBY Tumbling Composter on Amazon
Now that you’re composting your food scraps, Step 2 in our Guide to Going Zero Waste is to ditch your single use paper products.
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