How to Compost in an Apartment

Composting doesn't have to be just for the suburbanites with large backyards. With a little planning and creativity, composting in an apartment is easy and doable. Contrary to what you might think, composting in an apartment also has a range of benefits, including reducing your carbon footprint and enriching your soil. This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about composting in an apartment.

The first step in composting in an apartment is figuring out the space you will use. There are many ways to compost in an apartment, including using a worm bin or a countertop composter. Worm bins are enclosed containers that house composting worms, while countertop composters are small containers that can fit on your kitchen counter. If you don't have a lot of space, a countertop composter is an excellent option since it is small and can be emptied into an outdoor bin. Conversely, if you have more room and want to compost on a larger scale, a worm bin is great since composting worms can break down organic waste quickly. 

The next step is choosing what to compost. There are many things you can compost, including food scraps, tea bags, coffee grounds, and paper. However, it is important to avoid meat, dairy, and oils since they can attract pests and create odors. Additionally, make sure to break down big food scraps into smaller pieces that can compost faster, and cut up paper into smaller pieces for faster decomposition. 

Once you've gathered your compost ingredients, it is time to actually compost. For a countertop composter, simply add your composting material to the container and mix it periodically with a wooden spoon to ensure everything composts evenly. For a worm bin, be sure to start with a layer of bedding, usually shredded newspaper, and then add your composting material and mix it in well. The worms will do the rest of the work.

After a few weeks, you should have usable compost. For a countertop composter, simply empty the contents into an outdoor bin or garden. For a worm bin, you will have to harvest the compost by separating the worms from compost either by using a bottom-release worm bin or by hand-sorting. 

Conclusion

Composting in an apartment is an easy and rewarding way to help the environment. With a little planning and effort, you can reduce your carbon footprint and enrich your garden's soil. No matter your living situation, there is a composting option that will work for you – whether that's a worm bin or a countertop composter. So, give it a try! Happy composting! If you're looking for apartments in in Wilmington, NC, contact Beaumont Oaks at Porters Neck today to schedule a personal tour.