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Composting

Turn Kitchen Scraps Into Garden Gold

Composting doesn't have to smell, attract pests, or require a big yard. Here's the honest guide — what method fits your space, what to throw in, and what to avoid.

Choose Your Method

Three ways to compost — pick your setup

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Tumbler Composter

Enclosed bin you spin to aerate. Fastest method (4–8 weeks), no smell, pest-proof. Best for yards and patios.

Best for: backyard, patio, speed

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Worm Bin (Vermicompost)

Red wiggler worms eat your scraps and produce the richest compost on Earth. Works indoors, no outdoor space needed. Minimal smell when managed correctly.

Best for: apartments, indoors, rich output

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Bokashi System

A fermentation-based method that handles ALL food waste including meat and dairy. Works in a sealed bucket indoors. Fast and odor-controlled when sealed properly.

Best for: apartments, all food waste

What goes in, what stays out

✅ Green = Nitrogen-rich (add these)

  • • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • • Coffee grounds and filters
  • • Tea bags (remove staple)
  • • Fresh grass clippings
  • • Plant trimmings
  • • Eggshells

🍂 Brown = Carbon-rich (balance with green)

  • • Cardboard (torn small)
  • • Dry leaves
  • • Paper bags, newspaper
  • • Straw, dried plant stalks
  • • Paper egg cartons
  • • Wood chips (small)

❌ Never compost these (in a standard pile)

  • • Meat, fish, bones
  • • Dairy products
  • • Oily or fatty foods
  • • Dog or cat waste
  • • Diseased plants
  • • Treated wood products
  • • Weeds gone to seed
  • • Glossy/coated paper

Note: Bokashi systems CAN handle meat and dairy.

Get Started

Composting gear worth buying

Affiliate links — same price for you, small commission for us.

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Tumbling Composter Bin

Dual-chamber tumbler lets you add to one side while the other finishes. Pest-proof, no turning required with your hands. Fast results.

~$80–140 View on Amazon →
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Worm Composting Bin (Vermicomposter)

Multi-tray worm bin lets you harvest compost from the bottom while worms keep working up top. Great for apartments — minimal odor when managed right.

~$40–90 View on Amazon →
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Kitchen Compost Bin (Countertop)

A countertop bin for collecting scraps before transferring to your outdoor composter. Look for stainless steel with a carbon filter lid to keep odors contained.

~$18–35 View on Amazon →
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