You have been thinking of starting your own compost pile, but have no idea what to do. Don’t worry. It does not involve as many complications or odours as the idea might sound. 

No matter how much land you have to get the job done, there is a composting arrangement to fit your situation. It is a really easy method to reduce food waste, nourish your soil, and feel slightly less guilty about what you are throwing away every day.

Here are some simple concepts and plans for easy composting. 

Know what you can compost

It is nice to know what you can and cannot compost before you get to the point of diving into the bins and buckets. A good compost manure requires a combination of greens (fruit and veg waste), coffee, eggshells, and browns (dry leaves, shredded paper, and cardboard).

Do not include meat, milk, dairy products, and greasy food. Such things would attract pests. Start small and you will be able to find the rhythm in no time.

Backyard Bin: The traditional pile

Many realtors in Raleigh, NC say buyers are increasingly asking about sustainable living features like compost bins when searching for a home. A modest outdoor compost bin or pile is one of the simplest ways to get started if you have a small yard space. You can purchase a pre-made bin or construct your own out of wooden pallets and chicken wire, or even drill holes into an old trash can.

All you have to do is select a somewhat sunny place that is convenient to feed with your kitchen scraps. Every couple of weeks, turn the pile with a pitchfork or a shovel to aerate it. This aids in the breakdown process and reduces smell. 

Tumbler composters: Easy and fast mixing

No pitchforks? No problem. Compost tumblers are enclosed rotating bins mounted on a stand, making it super easy to mix your compost with a mere spin. They are tidy, swift, and not prone to infestation by pests.

Simply continue adding various greens and browns until the bin is full. Turn the contents of the bin every few days and leave it to do its work.

Small-space solution: Kitchen countertop bin composters

A countertop compost bin that has a tight-fitting lid would be ideal to collect food scraps on a week-long basis. Others even have charcoal filters to prevent odors.

Next, you can visit a local composting service, drop-off site, or community garden to dispose of your scraps, or use a worm bin (vermicomposting) to compost right at home.

Vermicomposting: Worms to work with

Worms are awesome compost friends. Your food scraps can be silently converted into rich, dark compost with no odor. All you need is a small worm bin under your sink or in a closet.

Just a bin with some bedding (such as shredded newspaper), red wiggler worms, and some patience. It turns out to be an interesting and entertaining project, more so when you have kids interested in a bit of science.

Final words

Composting is not as difficult as you may believe. It can suit whatever lifestyle with whatever space is available. Begin with a small goal and be consistent. Soon, you will be able to stop wasting your leftovers and transform them into something productive.