Kitchen composting is making organic compost from kitchen waste like food scraps. The compost (final product), when added to soil, enriches it and helps grow better plants and crops.
This guide explains how you can organic compost from kitchen waste!
Different Ways to Make Organic Compost from Kitchen Waste
Composting is easy once you get ahold of it. The most important thing for composting is knowing the brown to the green ratio, temperature, moisture, pH, what to add, and what not to add to the compost pile.
There are a few methods you can use to compost your kitchen waste. Let’s check them out.
DIY Compost Bin
The simplest way for beginners to compost kitchen waste is to make a DIY bin. You would need a plastic bin that you may already have around your home. You can also buy from a nearby store for around $10. Other things required a drill machine or hammer & nails, dry leaves or newspaper, clean dirt, and kitchen scraps.
- Start by making a few holes in the bottom and lid of the bin with a drill machine or nail & hammer. There is no requirement for the number of holes, but each hole must be 1-3 inches apart. You can also make some holes on the sides for increased aeration.
- Fill up to a quarter of the bin with dry leaves or shredded newspaper and add relatively clean dirt or soil until the container is half full.
- Add your kitchen scraps. Don’t forget to maintain a 30:1 brown-to-green ratio and avoid things that take longer to compost.
- Give the pile a gentle stir with a shovel. You can also do it with your hand but don’t forget to wear gloves.
- Wet the compost slightly but not too much, as too much moisture can lead to odors.
- Close the lid and place the bin in a shady area.
- Stir the contents whenever you add compost or at least 1-2 times every week. Add another bin if you are planning to get more compost next season.
Backyard Composting
Most homeowners with yards prefer outdoor composting. They gather organic kitchen waste for 2-3 days and then transfer it to an outdoor tumbler or bin.
The bins and tumblers are available in different sizes and features. The commercial designs make it easy to stir the contents and collect compost tea. Moreover, they also help maintain the constant internal temperature required to speed up the composting process.
Make sure you have ample space under a shade to keep the composter or bin. Don’t forget to maintain the brown-to-green ratio and turn your pile every 3-4 days to ensure oxygen supply.
Indoor Compost Bin
Indoor compositing is an excellent option for small homes, apartments, or condos. Moreover, it is also great for individuals or small families.
However, indoor composting may not be your thing if you have a lot of waste. Indoor compost bins are available in different shapes and sizes. Select the one that meets your composting needs.
Electric Composters
The most convenient way to compost organic kitchen waste is to use indoor electric composters. These smart composters are available in different sizes, shapes, and features.
Electric composters decompose food quicker than traditional composting because they maintain constant internal temperature and airflow.
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is also known as worm composting. It involves using worms to speed up the decomposition process. Vermicomposting can be carried out in either DIY or commercial composters.
It is a slightly complex method and must be used by experienced composters.
Trench Composting
Trench composting is the simplest method of all. It is also the easiest as you only have to dig a 1-2 foot deep trench in your backyard. Bury the food scrapes and cover them in about 6-8 inches of soil. The moisture and oxygen in the soil will automatically convert organic waste into compost. Make sure you bury the compost at least 6-8 inches away from your plants.
Kitchen Waste you can Compost
- Egg shells
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds & tea bags
- Stale bread & corn husks
- Expired spices
- Nutshells
- Juicer pulp
Kitchen Waste you shouldn’t Compost
- Meat and fish waste/products
- Bones
- Dairy products
- Oily foods & products
- Baked goods
- Cooked food waste
- Black walnut products
- Onion & garlic scraps
- Citrus fruit scraps
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I temporarily store organic waste in the kitchen if I compost outdoors?
You can use a temporary compost bin to store the waste for 3-4 days and then empty it in the composter.
What can I do to avoid landfills if I don’t want to compost?
You can hire a compost collecting service or drop the compost in municipality composting tanks. You can also give organic waste to your neighbors if they compost.
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