How to Start Composting Kitchen Scraps sent

Did you know that about one-third of all food produced globally is wasted? This translates to roughly 1.3 billion tons of food each year. In the United States alone, food waste is estimated to be about 30-40% of the food supply. This waste contributes to the overuse of land, water, and energy, and when it ends up in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change.

However, there’s a powerful way to mitigate this problem right in your own home: composting. Composting is an eco-friendly method of recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, perfect for gardening and landscaping. 

This guide will help you get started on your home kitchen composting journey, with various options to suit different living situations and preferences.

Before diving into the different composting methods, it's essential to understand what foods can and cannot be composted. Properly managing your compostable waste starts with knowing what to collect.

• Fruit and Vegetable Scraps: Apples, banana peels, carrot tops, and other fruit and vegetable scraps.

• Coffee Grounds and Filters: Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them great for compost.

• Tea Bags and Leaves: Be sure to check that the tea bags are compostable.

• Eggshells: Crushed eggshells add calcium to your compost.

• Grains and Pasta: Plain, cooked grains and pasta without any oils or sauces.

• Nut Shells: Except for walnut shells, which can be toxic to plants.

• Meat and Dairy: These can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.

• Oily Foods: Oils can disrupt the composting process.

• Processed Foods: These often contain preservatives that disrupt the composting process.

To make composting a seamless part of your daily routine, keep a container on your kitchen counter to collect compostable waste. 

1. Choose a Container: Select a small bin with a lid to keep odors at bay. There are many stylish and functional compost bins, such as this one, available that fit nicely on countertops.

2. Optional- Use Compostable Liners: Line your container with compostable bags for easy transfer to your main compost bin.

3. Empty Regularly: To prevent odors and pests, empty the countertop container into your main compost pile or bin regularly, ideally every day or two.

There are several different methods for composting your food scraps. 

Bin composting is one of the most straightforward methods and is ideal for those with limited space. Here’s how to get started:

Materials Needed:

• A compost bin (you can buy one or make your own)

• A mix of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials

• A pitchfork or shovel for turning the compost

Steps:

1. Choose a Bin: Select a bin that suits your space. Options range from small countertop bins for indoor use to larger outdoor bins.

2. Layering: Start with a layer of brown materials (like dried leaves or cardboard), then add a layer of green materials (like vegetable scraps and coffee grounds). Alternate layers to maintain balance.

3. Maintain Moisture: Keep the compost moist, but not soggy. Think of the dampness of a wrung-out sponge.

4. Turn the Pile: Regularly turning the compost aerates it and speeds up decomposition.

For those with a bit more space and an interest in DIY projects, pallet composting is an excellent and low-cost option.

Materials Needed:

• Four wooden pallets

• Nails or screws

• A hammer or screwdriver

Steps:

1. Build the Structure: Stand three pallets upright to form three sides of a box and secure them together. Use the fourth pallet as the front, attaching it with hinges if you want easy access.

2. Fill and Layer: Just like bin composting, alternate layers of green and brown materials.

3. Maintain and Turn: Ensure the compost stays moist and turn it regularly.

Worm composting is perfect for small spaces and can even be done indoors. It’s an effective way to create rich compost quickly.

Materials Needed:

• A worm bin (can be bought or homemade)

• Red wiggler worms

• Bedding material (like shredded newspaper or cardboard)

• Kitchen scraps

Steps:

1. Prepare the Bin: Fill the bin with moist bedding material.

2. Add Worms: Introduce the red wiggler worms to the bin.

3. Feed the Worms: Add kitchen scraps regularly, but avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods.

4. Harvest the Compost: After a few months, the worms will produce rich compost that can be harvested and used in your garden.

If you prefer a more straightforward and natural method, consider what Edye's father and she have done: trench composting.

Materials Needed:

• A shovel
• Kitchen scraps

Steps:

1. Dig a Trench: Dig a trench or a hole about 12 inches deep in your garden or yard.
2. Add Scraps: Place your kitchen scraps directly into the trench.
3. Cover: Cover the scraps with the soil you dug out. The worms in the soil will find their way to the scraps and aid in the decomposition process.
4. Rotate Locations: To ensure your garden benefits evenly, rotate the location of your trenches.

• Balance Greens and Browns: Too much green material can make the compost smelly, while too much brown material can slow down decomposition. Aim for a balanced mix.

• Chop Materials: Smaller pieces decompose faster, so chop or shred larger items before adding them to your compost.

• Avoid Pests: Keep meat, dairy, and oily foods out of your compost to avoid attracting pests.

Composting is a rewarding practice that not only reduces waste but also enriches the soil, promoting healthier plants and a greener environment. Whether you choose bin composting, pallet composting, worm composting, or utilizing a municipal program, you’ll be making a positive impact on the planet. Happy composting!