START WITH YOUR COUNTERTOP: COMPOSTING 101
This is part one of a two-part “composting 101” blog series. It is my mission to help everyone achieve a garden-centered lifestyle, I think getting society on board with composting is pretty crucial.
Every “composting 101” or “compost for beginners” piece that I have read in the past spent a great deal of time talking about what compost is, why you should compost, and what to compost. But none of them told you how to actually do it. So here it is! Along with some of the other questions answered, too.
Here’s an easy, 3 step process of how to actually get started composting.
WHY COMPOST ANYWAY?
If you are brand new to the concept of composting, think of it as a way to recycle your food into new food. Rather than sending your food to a landfill where it does no good to anyone, it can be turned back into nutrient-rich earth to feed new plants.
For the garden -
Because it is black gold! Amending soil with a fresh layer of compost in the garden between seasons replenishes the garden nutrients that plants need to grow and fruit. We don’t need synthetic fertilizers to have success in the garden, nature gives us all we need.
You likely already compost without knowing it. Your yard waste makes its way to commercial composting facilities.
Compost that you send away to be commercially composted will make its way back to garden stores, or even free to residents in cities that have composting services! Your food scraps have made their way from your kitchen, through the composting process, and are ready to be put back into your garden to grow more food. If you choose to complete the composting process at home, then the fresh compost will be even more readily available to layer your garden with.
For overall sustainability -
Society has long touted the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle), but the zero waste community promotes the idea of 2 more R’s (refuse and ROT). To work towards a goal of zero waste, we need to keep valuable food scraps out of landfills where they occupy so much space.
STEP ONE: THE EASY COUNTERTOP SETUP
THE COMPOSTER
To get started composting on your countertop, you only need a place to collect your food scraps! Sure, you can use a little countertop metal bin with a lid, or a rolled-up paper bag, but without airflow, it will smell.
I really love Full Circle’s “Fresh Air” Countertop Composter. I have been using it for 4 years now, and I have had no issues with smell or insects. It provides ventilation so that no bacteria build up inside, and is a nice size so it takes me about a week to fill up.
Here’s a 2017 Instagram post I showing off my dear compost bin. Instagram wasn’t about the aesthetic back then. Or maybe it was and I was just talking about my composter?
THE LINERS
Depending on how much you are cooking, you might need two liners a week. I only used one per week. There are two liners that you generally use inside your countertop composter:
A kraft paper compost bin liner.
or
A compostable “plastic” liner
Which to choose? The kraft paper compost bin is generally the safer option. When shopping for the compostable “plastic” liner you want to ensure that it is COMPOSTABLE, not biodegradable. There is a big difference. Secondly, you want to make sure that if you eventually start composting at home that it says it is HOME COMPOSTING SAFE. Some compostable bags of this material can only truly be composted at a commercial facility, therefore it would be safe if you are sending out but not safe if you compost in your backyard. A kraft bag would avoid the worry about these considerations.
STEP TWO: MAKE IT A HABIT
The second step to composting is to start the routine of putting your kitchen scraps into the compost pail in your kitchen. Banana peel? Into the bin. Cutting board full of tomato ends and onion skins? Into the bin. Do I feel silly uploading a 9 second video to youtube? Yes. But I really wanted to show how easy it is.
WHAT TO COMPOST?
At this stage of setting a routine of getting started composting, focus on these:
fruit and vegetable food scraps
coffee grounds and filter, tea bags
egg shells
Can you compost more than this? Yes, but I find this is the best place to start while you get into the routine and “learn the rules” of what you can and can’t compost.
Per the EPA, here’s the quick rundown of what not to compost and why.
Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
- Releases substances that might be harmful to plantsCoal or charcoal ash
- Might contain substances harmful to plantsDairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and fliesDiseased or insect-ridden plants
- Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plantsFats, grease, lard, or oils
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and fliesMeat or fish bones and scraps
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and fliesPet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter)
- Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humansYard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
- Might kill beneficial composting organisms
STEP THREE: WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR COUNTERTOP COMPOST?
THE EASIEST SOLUTION
Check your local yard waste pick up! Included in the picture below are the permissible items for my local yard waste service, which clearly indicates food and vegetable scraps are welcome from my kitchen.
Some bigger cities make even go as far as to have a specific compost bin and collection that they provide to all of their residents.
OTHER OPTIONS
You can utilize websites such as www.sharewaste.com to find local community compost locations within your area for free. Or compost porch pickup is becoming an increasingly popular paid service that might be available to you via an internet search.
ONCE YOU GET USED TO COMPOSTING… IT CAN GO RIGHT INTO YOUR BACKYARD
Part two of this composting 101 will focus on the second easiest solution - composting in your own backyard! This option isn’t more difficult but it does take a bit more setup and money upfront. It’s best to make sure that you feel confident in your ability to compost first.
STAY TUNED FOR COMPOSTING 101: MAKING YOUR OWN IN THE GARDEN!
I hope this blog showed you how truly simple composting can really be. Start here, just right in your kitchen, and create a new routine of sustainability for yourself. If your space allows for composting at home, consider the next steps in a few months!
