How to compost at home in 4 easy steps

The practice of composting has steadily been gaining followers for years, blossoming during the pandemic and continuing to grow thanks to city laws and eco-focused thinking. But what is compost, and how do you make it at home?

Composting is the process of breaking down organic material to create nutrient-rich soil. This material is called compost, and it works to build depleted soil back into a thriving ecosystem—but the impact isn’t limited to helping flowers and produce.

“There’s no downside to composting,” says David Ellerby, Reviewed's chief scientist and a biology PhD. “The raw materials are free, you help the environment, make your garden or house plants healthier, spend less on compost or trash disposal.”

Doing something as simple as collecting your household’s organic waste—eggshells, veggie peels, coffee grounds, etc.—and composting them instead of throwing them in the trash can make a significant environmental impact.

As a sustainable waste solution, composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions like methane and other air quality pollutants.

We can compost about a third of the garbage that we create, says Michelle Balz, author of Composting for a New Generation.

“Just by taking care of that by yourself, you’re reducing the amount of garbage that decomposes anaerobically [in the landfill], which means it’s creating methane, a strong greenhouse gas,” she says.

How to compost at home

It's hard to know where to start for those new to composting. The good news is that composting isn’t just for master gardeners. If you understand the basics, you can turn food scraps and yard waste into treasure.

What you need to start composting

• Compost bin
• Kitchen scraps
• Natural yard scraps, like leaves and grass clippings
• A pitchfork, shovel, or a garden tool to use for mixing and turning the pile of compost

Step 1: Choose your method: Outdoor vs. indoor

First, evaluate whether indoor or outdoor composting will work better for you. Both composting methods are great, but they also have drawbacks. Which is right for you depends on the kind of space you have.

If you have a yard, consider outdoor composting. It allows for options like open composting, which works with the soil you already have in your backyard. Outdoor composting is the most efficient method, but it is influenced by weather conditions and takes up more space.

If your space is limited, indoor composting is a great option. It's ideal for anyone living in an apartment or those composting during colder winter months. A countertop compost bin is also an option for anyone who composts outdoors.

Using countertop compost bins is common, but another popular type of indoor composting is vermicomposting—aka worm composting. It involves adding what’s known as red worms (or red wigglers) to your bin. Pros say these red worms can do wonders in helping break down organic waste into compost.

Balz says, “They’ll eat nearly half their body weight in food scraps.”

Step 2: Select your bin

The key to good compost is adequate aeration and moisture. The best compost bins provide both. Air and moisture are key for keeping the microorganisms, insects, and worms living in your compost happy, allowing them to help decompose the matter.

To start, have a compost bin outside your home, and for first-timers, there’s nothing wrong with going for a simple compost bin.

If you’re open to a more advanced option, a batch composter can speed up the process and keep the mixture protected from the elements and pests. You’ll need to check in with this bin frequently to ensure composting materials remain moist.

So that you don't have to bring your food scraps outside every time you make a meal, you can use a countertop compost bin or simply stick with a stainless-steel bowl, a bucket, or a small trash can to contain the scraps temporarily until you empty it into your outdoor composter.

A rule of thumb for an inside composter is to have some sort of lid for the bin to contain odors and prevent a fruit fly infestation.

If vermicomposting sounds like something you want to take a crack at, you can secure a worm composter and some red wigglers for use inside your home right from Amazon.

If you’re ready to go all-in and have the time and energy to expend some DIY energy, try building your own compost bin. Large storage containers or trash cans make great options—you just need to drill or puncture holes throughout the container to maintain that healthy aeration.

Step 3: Compile your materials

Ensure that your compost bin has a healthy mix of “green” and “brown” organic matter. Green matter includes food waste high in nitrogen, while brown matter includes outdoor scraps high in carbon.

Striking the balance of green and brown matter is what makes a successful compost pile. Balz says, “The biggest mistake people make is that they don’t balance their food scraps [green matter] with brown material like leaves.”

Some items should never be composted because they can attract pests and even introduce diseases to the soil.

What can be composted:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Eggshells
• Plant and grass clippings, including houseplants
• Yard or garden waste, including dry leaves, dead plants, and branches
• Cardboard or paper without color
• Nutshells
• Hay and straw
• Wood chips

What should not be composted:

• Meat, fish, or eggs
• Dairy products
• Oils or greases
• Human or animal feces, including litter
• Diseased plants
• Coal or charcoal
• Any yard waste treated with chemicals or pesticides

Step 4: Build and maintain your compost

When it comes time to build your compost bin from scratch, get started with brown matter. It will create a solid base.

Balz says, “Start with a foot or two of leaves in the bin—shredding them up and making them smaller will make them decompose faster.”

Next, layer on your green matter, including your food scraps, coffee grounds, and other waste that’s OK to add.

Continue layering brown and green matter until you get a healthy pile going. Balz recommends burying your food scraps when layering to prevent attracting fruit flies and creating a strong odor.

As for keeping and caring for your compost, maintenance is minimal. Mix it every few days to keep that aeration flowing. Use any shovel or pitchfork to shake and blend it. While mixing, check on moisture levels as well—if the compost lacks moisture, carefully add water to the mix.

How long does it take to compost?

A final, finished compost product can take a few months to one year to create. Be patient, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you get it right.

Says Balz: “Any experienced gardener will tell you compost is worth its weight in gold. It is quite expensive [to buy], but you can make it yourself with the garbage you create daily.”