Composting is a powerful way to reduce waste and create valuable soil amendments, but if you live in an urban environment, the composting struggle is real. Whether you have limited space, odor concerns, problems with gnats, flies, or other pests, or are limited by your HOA or other neighborhood regulations, the limitations that come with composting in an urban environment can be frustrating.
But I’m confident that there’s a suitable composting method out there for everyone who wants to make it work. It’s simply a matter of finding the right composting system for you and your unique situation and learning the basic rules to keep your compost balanced and healthy.
Urban Composting Overview
Urban composting is possible, and it doesn’t have to be smelly, an eye sore, or a hassle to maintain. Let’s get into it. The links in this section will jump you to the relevant sections within the article.
In this post, I’ll talk about why composting in urban areas is so important, and some of the common problems people face with composting in urban areas. Then we’ll jump into seven urban composting methods, which are:
- Open-air composting
- Tumbler composting
- Vermicomposting (worm composting)
- Composting in place
- Bokashi composting
- Mechanical composting
- Municipal composting
After breaking down these seven options, we’ll look at how to choose the right composting method for you and your lifestyle.
If you’re ready to compare composting methods, see my table of the pros and cons of each method.
I’ll also go over a few tips for successful urban composting, and how to harvest and use your finished compost.
Once you figure out the process that works for you, composting becomes easy – even a joy. So let’s explore some urban composting techniques that turn kitchen scraps into garden gold, bringing us closer to “closing the loop” in our own mini backyard ecosystems.
Why Composting Matters in Urban Environments
Composting is an important process that I argue should be part of everyone’s life, even for those of us living in cities and suburbs. Here are some reasons that I hope convince you to stick with composting, even if it takes some trial and error to work out the bumps.
Composting Reduces Waste
In urban environments space is limited and finding space for landfills can be a problem. However, a large portion of household waste and almost all yard waste is actually compostable.
By composting our kitchen scraps, yard trimmings, and other organic materials, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and reduce the strain on our waste management systems.
Composting at Home Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
When all of that food waste we throw in the garbage sits buried in a landfill, it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen). Anaerobic decomposition in landfills emits landfill gas (LFG) which is roughly 50 percent carbon dioxide (CO2) and 50 percent methane (CH4). Composting our organic waste responsibly helps mitigate these greenhouse gas emissions.
Compost is a Valuable Resource
Composting is key for building soil health. Compost acts as a natural fertilizer, providing essential nutrients and beneficial microbes, and improving soil structure. By adding compost to our urban gardens annually, we improve the soil health year after year and our plants thrive. Regularly replenishing the soil in this way also helps us grow highly nutritious foods to feed our bodies.
Challenges to Urban Composting
Despite all of these benefits, composting in urban settings does pose unique challenges such as space constraints, odor concerns, and community restrictions.
Compost Space Limitations
One of the primary challenges of composting in urban environments is the limited space available for composting setups. Urban dwellers often have to be creative in finding suitable containers or bins that fit within their restricted living spaces. Compact composting methods such as vermicomposting or bokashi composting can be particularly useful in such situations.
Compost Odor Concerns
The decomposition process can produce odors, especially if composting is not properly managed. However, with adequate aeration, balancing of materials, and regular maintenance, composting can be virtually odor-free. Techniques like layering browns (such as dry leaves) with greens (such as kitchen scraps) can help maintain an optimal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and minimize odors.
Anti-Compost Regulations
In some cases, urban composters may also face restrictions imposed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or local regulations. These restrictions can range from limitations on composting methods or the use of outdoor bins to concerns over potential pests or aesthetics. However, many urban areas have regulations and guidelines in place that allow for composting within certain parameters. So learn your local regulations. And if outdoor composting is restricted, there are alternative composting methods, such as vermicomposting and bokashi composting, that work well for indoor or compact spaces and can help overcome these restrictions.
7 Composting Methods for Urban Spaces (Including One I Don’t Recommend)
These composting methods are well-suited for urban environments, offering flexibility and efficiency. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, allowing urban composters to find the best fit for their specific circumstances.
1. Open-Air Composting
Open-air composting is a traditional method that involves creating a compost pile or bin in an open area, allowing for natural decomposition. It requires sufficient space and proper maintenance to ensure optimal decomposition.
Benefits of Open-Air Composting
Open-air composting is simple to do, and it can be done without spending any money on setup (unless you count your grocery bill). It can be quite hands-off, or it can be more closely managed for quicker turn-around. Additionally, open-air composting provides excellent aeration, allowing the compost pile to break down aerobically, which is usually what we want for composting (one exception being bokashi composting).
How to Start Open-Air Composting
To start open-air composting, choose a suitable area in your yard or garden. You can use wire mesh fence material or wooden pallets to construct a simple bin structure. If you’re thinking of making a pallet compost bin, you might be interested in the post linked above where I talk about the things I wish I’d done differently when we made it (in other words, learn from my mistakes).
Layering organic materials such as kitchen scraps, leaves, and grass clippings will help create a balanced compost pile that’s not too “green” or too “brown.” It’s beneficial to break or cut larger pieces such as tall plant stalks and whole vegetables to help them break down and turn into compost faster. If you live in a dry area, you may need to water your open-air compost pile periodically to keep the decomposition process active. Turning the compost can help to aerate it, but isn’t strictly necessary.
Open-Air Composting Limitations
Open-air composting may not be suitable for all urban environments, especially those with limited outdoor space or restrictions on open compost piles. Odor, potential pests, and aesthetics can also be concerns for some individuals. If issues such as these keep you from composting in an open-air bin, consider alternative methods like vermicomposting or composting in place.
2. Tumbler Composting
Tumbler composting is a popular choice due to its compact design and convenience. A compost tumbler is a specialized composting bin that can be easily rotated or turned to mix and aerate the compost materials. Tumblers are designed to accelerate the composting process, allowing for faster decomposition compared to open-air composting.
Compost tumblers are available commercially and there are DIY plans available for making your own.
Benefits of Tumbler Composting
The advantages of tumbler composting include efficient composting within a confined space and reduced smell. The enclosed design helps contain any potential odors and minimizes the risk of attracting pests. Tumblers also provide a convenient way to turn the compost, ensuring even decomposition and proper aeration.
How to Use a Tumbler Composter
When using a tumbler composting system, it’s essential to maintain the right balance of brown and green materials, along with adequate moisture levels. Regularly turning the tumbler every few days will help speed up the composting process.
Tumbler Composter Limitations
Tumblers have a smaller capacity compared to open compost piles, limiting the amount of organic waste that can be processed at once. To process compost quickly, it’s important not to add additional waste continuously. A second tumbler may be necessary to collect food waste while the first is busy cooking. Additionally, tumblers work better in the summer. When it’s cold outside small tumblers don’t heat up well, which slows the composting process.
3. Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)
Vermicomposting, also known as worm composting, offers a sustainable way to manage organic waste in urban environments. In this method, red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida) consume kitchen scraps, vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and other organic materials, converting them into nutrient and microbe-rich castings. Vermicomposting is highly efficient and well-suited for indoor or small-space composting.
Benefits of Vermicomposting
Composting with worms offers several advantages for urban settings. Vermicomposting systems can be adapted for either outdoor or indoor composting or a combination of the two, and because bins can be brought inside, it allows for year-round composting.
When managed correctly, the process is relatively odorless and, once you get the hang of it, maintaining the bins is easy and rewarding. If you’re like me, you’ll start to think of your worms as friends.
And of course, vermicomposting produces worm castings that are rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes, ideal for amending garden soil, or adding to potted plants
How to Vermicompost
To start vermicomposting, you’ll need a suitable worm bin, such as a DIY Rubbermaid tub or a commercially available system like the Urban Worm Bag. The bin should provide proper ventilation and drainage. Add a layer of moist bedding, such as shredded newspaper or coconut coir, and some food scraps that have already started to decompose, then introduce the worms. Place the bin in a convenient and protected location, such as a basement, garage, or even a corner of your kitchen.
If you don’t have local access to red wiggler worms, I recommend ordering some from Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm. I’ve purchased red wiggler’s from them and the worms arrived well packaged, healthy, and in good condition.
Feed the worms a balanced diet, including a mix of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials such as banana peels, veggie trimmings, and coffee grounds) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials such as paper, leaves, or coco coir). Avoid adding meat, dairy, oily foods, citrus fruits, onion, and garlic, as they can attract pests or harm the worms.
Maintaining the moisture level is important in vermicomposting. The bedding should be kept moist, but not overly wet, about like a wrung-out sponge. It’s a good idea to cover the bin with a breathable lid to help regulate moisture. I’ve used a layer of damp newspaper or a carpet scrap cut to size.
Harvesting Vermicompost
When it’s time to harvest the worm castings, you have several options. One simple technique is called “separation” or “migration.” Move all the contents of the bin to one side and start adding fresh bedding and food scraps to the other side. The worms will naturally migrate towards the new food source, in theory, allowing you to easily collect the finished compost from the original side. The same can be done by adding a see that the worms can migrate up to.
If this doesn’t work for you, you might need to dump the contents of the bin out on a tarp outside. The worms don’t like light and will work their way down. After a few minutes, you can scrape off the top worm castings, then repeat until you’re down to mostly worms.
Some vermicomposting systems make it super easy to separate the worms from castings. For example, the Urban Worm Bag is a funnel-shaped bag that hangs in a metal frame. The worms migrate up through the funnel, and the castings can be removed by opening the bottom of the funnel and letting them fall out into a separate container.
4. Composting in Place
Composting in place, also known as trench composting or direct composting, is my favorite way to compost because it’s the easiest way to compost, perfect for a lazy gardener like me. Kitchen scraps and garden waste is placed directly in your garden beds or planting areas.
Benefits of Composting in Place
Composting in place offers several benefits for urban gardeners.
This method minimizes the risk of odors or attracting pests since the composting process occurs below the surface.
It allows for the continuous recycling of organic materials within your garden. As the materials decompose, they release nutrients that can be readily absorbed by nearby plants.
It eliminates the need for a separate composting bin or pile and allows the organic materials to decompose directly in the soil, meaning fewer steps and hassle-free results.
How to Compost In Place
Start by digging a shallow trench or hole in your garden bed or at teh site of a future garden bed. As you generate kitchen scraps, bury them in the trench along with other compostable materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, or small garden trimmings. Cover the organic waste with soil, ensuring it’s well covered. Over time, the buried materials will break down, enriching the soil and providing nutrients to your plants. With this basic method, you may wish to save up a large amount of kitchen scraps before you begin.
To increase the effectiveness of composting in place, create multiple composting sites throughout your garden. This provides a more even distribution of nutrients and promotes healthy plant growth across your entire outdoor space. Additionally, rotating the composting locations each year can help prevent the buildup of certain nutrients in one area.
Composting In Place In a Container
If you prefer an easier method of composting in place, that doesn’t require digging a hole and burying your compost every time you take it out, or accumulating it for a few weeks at a time, then consider the bucket method.
Get a five-gallon bucket, or plastic container of a similar size, and drill lots of quarter-inch holes in it. Bury the bucket in your garden, put a lid on it (a piece of plywood will do), and a rock on the lid to hold it down.
Here’s a picture of my system. Every few days add an inch or so of kitchen scraps and another inch or so of brown organic material such as dried leaves, straw, shredded paper, shredded cardboard, or coco coir. If you generate more compost than this system can accommodate, then add more buckets to other garden beds and rotate which one you add to each day.
Optionally, add some red wiggler worms to the bucket to make it a hybrid vermicomposting and composting-in-place system. Even if you don’t add red wigglers, your garden’s native worms will show up to help break down the waste and feed your garden with their castings.
5. Bokashi Composting
Bokashi composting is a fermentation-based composting method that allows for the breakdown of organic matter through the action of beneficial microorganisms. This method is particularly useful for urban composters who may have limited space or live in apartments or condos. Bokashi composting can be done indoors and requires minimal maintenance.
Benefits of Bokashi Composting
Bokashi composting offers several advantages for urban composters. It’s a compact and odor-free method that can be easily managed indoors. It allows for the composting of a wide range of food waste, including meat, dairy, and oily items, which are typically not recommended in other composting methods. The end product, known as bokashi pre-compost, can be added to garden beds and planters, or buried in the soil to enrich the fertility and microbial activity.
Bokashi systems produce a microbe-rich leachate that can be used to enrich soil, however, it must be diluted to mitigate it’s acidity.
Drawbacks of Bokashi Composting
Similarly to mechanical composters (up next), bokashi composting doesn’t produce finished compost, but something called pre-compost, which must be buried outside for a couple of weeks before it’s suitable for use in the garden.
You’ll also need to keep a supply of bokashi bran to sprinkle over the compost daily. It’s easy to do but does require daily attention and regularly purchasing the bran.
How to Do Bokashi Composting
This is one composting method that I don’t have experience with, but I thought it should be included in the list as it’s a versatile composting method for small indoor spaces.
The process involves layering kitchen scraps with special bran or sawdust inoculated with effective microorganisms (EM). The EM organisms ferment the organic waste, breaking it down and reducing odors. Bokashi bins are airtight to prevent the entry of oxygen, which is necessary for the anaerobic fermentation process. Once the bin is full, the fermented waste is typically buried in soil or added to an outdoor compost pile to complete the decomposition process.
6. Mechanical Composting (and why I don’t recommend it)
There are various mechanical composting devices available on the market, often marketed as countertop composters or composting appliances. These devices claim to accelerate the composting process using heat, grinding mechanisms, or dehydration. However, it’s important to note that these devices do not actually compost the organic waste in the true sense of the term.
Problems with Mechanical Composters
Mechanical composters grind and dehydrate the waste, reducing its volume but not fully decomposing it into finished compost. The resulting material still needs further composting in a traditional compost pile or bin to complete the breakdown process. Additionally, these devices typically require electricity to operate, take up valuable counter space, and can be noisy and challenging to clean.
While mechanical composters may offer convenience for some urban dwellers, it’s important to be aware of their limitations and the additional composting steps required to obtain usable compost. Depending on the specific device, they may be more suitable for pre-processing food waste before transferring it to a larger-scale composting system. This makes me wonder, why use the electricity required for this pre-processing step when it’s going to have to be composted more anyway?
7. Municipal Composting Options
Some urban areas have municipal composting programs that provide residents with a convenient way to compost their organic waste. These programs typically collect yard waste, and many also accept food scraps. Check with your local program for specifics of what waste products are accepted.
Participating in municipal composting can be an excellent option for urban composters who may not have the space or resources to compost on their own. It allows individuals to contribute to waste reduction efforts and ensures that organic waste is properly processed. The resulting compost is often made available to residents for use in their gardens or landscaping projects.
Benefits of Using a Municipal Composting Service
One of the main benefits of municipal composting is that it takes the burden off individual urban composters who may face challenges such as space constraints or restrictions imposed by homeowners’ associations or rental agreements. It provides a centralized and efficient composting option, making it accessible to a wider population.
Additionally, municipal composting programs typically have the resources and expertise to manage large-scale composting operations effectively. They can handle a broader range of compostable materials, including meat, dairy, and other items that aren’t usually suitable for home composting. This helps divert a significant amount of organic waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to a more sustainable waste management system.
Of course, the availability and scope of municipal composting programs vary. Some cities may offer curbside collection services, while others may have designated drop-off locations or community composting sites. Research and contact your local waste management authorities to learn about the specific options and guidelines in your area.
Choosing the Right Composting Method for You
As you explore different composting methods, consider how each could fit into your life based on space availability, convenience, local regulations, and the types of materials you plan to compost.
To help you choose which urban composting method is right for you, I’ve created the below table with the pros and cons of each method I’ve listed.
Realize that you don’t have to choose just one method. Try two or three if you like and see which you prefer. I recommend trialing one system at a time, however, so you don’t get overwhelmed by learning multiple systems at once.
Composting Methods Pros and Cons
Composting Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Open-air | Simple and low-cost Suitable for larger spaces Natural decomposition | May attract pests Odor Management Longer decomposition time |
Tumbler | Easy to turn and aerate Fast decomposition Neat and contained | Limited capacity Requires space for tumbling Some models are costly |
Vermicomposting | Compact and indoor-friendly Efficient decomposition Produces rich worm castings | Requires managing worms Requires proper moisture Limited capacity |
Compost in Place | Utilizes garden space Natural integration Continuous soil enrichment | Limited to outdoor areas May require additional care |
Bokashi | Suitable for small spaces Fast fermentation process Accepts a wide range of materials | Requires specialized bins May produce a strong odor Requires proper management |
Mechanical Composting | Quick and convenient Minimal effort required Suitable for small quantities | Limited composting ability Produces subpar compost Relies on electricity |
Municipal Composting | Centralized and efficient Handles diverse materials Reduces personal workload | Availability may vary Dependent on local programs Limited control over the process |
Combining Composting Methods
You can also combine different composting methods to suit your specific needs and constraints. For example, you may keep a vermicomposting bin indoors and compost in place in your outdoor garden beds or even containers. The key is to find a system or combination of systems that work best for you and your lifestyle.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Urban Composting
Home composting is a rewarding experience once you learn the process and integrate it into your daily life. Here are a few practical tips and tricks to increase your composting success.
A. Balance carbon and nitrogen ratios for optimal decomposition
Achieving the right balance of carbon-rich (browns) and nitrogen-rich (greens) materials is crucial for efficient decomposition. Aim for a ratio of approximately 3 parts browns to 1 part greens. Browns include items like dry leaves, shredded paper, and straw, while greens include kitchen scraps, fresh grass clippings, plant trimmings, and pulled weeds. Adjust the ratio as needed to maintain proper decomposition and avoid issues like a slow breakdown or unpleasant odors.
B. Incorporate diverse compostable materials to create a balanced and nutrient-rich compost
Diversifying the types of compostable materials you add to your pile can enrich the nutrient content and enhance microbial activity. Include a mix of fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, crushed eggshells, yard trimmings, and shredded cardboard or newspaper. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily food scraps, as they can attract pests and cause odor problems (unless you’re using the Bokashi composting method).
C. Monitor moisture levels to maintain the ideal environment for decomposition
Moisture is essential for the composting process, as it helps microorganisms break down the organic matter. Aim for a moisture level similar to that of a damp sponge. Regularly check the moisture content of your compost pile by squeezing a handful of the material. If it feels too dry, add water; if it’s too wet, incorporate dry browns to absorb excess moisture. Proper moisture levels facilitate decomposition and prevent issues like a slimy or anaerobic compost pile.
D. Turn and aerate the compost to promote proper airflow and accelerate decomposition
It’s typically recommended to regularly turn your open-air compost to aerate it and ensure that oxygen reaches the microorganisms responsible for decomposition. I’m usually lazy and only do it once or twice a year. This may lead to slower decomposition but usually doesn’t cause problems, in my experience. To turn your compost, use a garden fork to turn over and mix the materials.
Not only does this incorporate air and reduce compaction, but it also teaches you a lot about your compost pile. While turning it, you’re bound to notice if it’s decomposing well, or if there are areas or materials within the pile that are decomposing more slowly, or if there are anaerobic patches. You can then add more water, greens, or browns, as necessary.
If you’re composting in place or vermicomposting, do not turn your compost, as it disrupts the ecosystem and isn’t necessary.
E. Use composting additives or accelerators to enhance the composting process
Composting additives or accelerators can provide a boost to the composting process, especially in urban settings where time and space may be limited. These products contain beneficial microorganisms and enzymes that help break down organic matter faster. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using composting additives, and consider natural options like compost tea or homemade compost activators as well.
I use shredded comfrey leaves as an activator in my compost bin. The book, The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Garden Amendments has many more DIY compost and soil amendment options to use.
By implementing these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to achieving successful urban composting. In the next section, we’ll explore the ways you can use your home compost to enrich your garden, nourish potted plants, or enhance a balcony or rooftop garden.
Harvesting and Using Home Compost
After investing time and effort into your urban composting journey, the moment arrives when your compost is ready to be harvested and put to use. Harvesting home compost not only completes the cycle of waste reduction but also rewards you with a valuable resource that can transform your urban garden. Let’s explore the signs of mature compost, as well as various ways to use it effectively in urban settings:
A. Signs of mature compost
Dark, crumbly texture: Mature compost takes on a dark, earthy appearance with a crumbly texture. It no longer resembles the original materials but has transformed into a rich and humus-like substance.
Earthy smell: Mature compost has a pleasant, earthy aroma, without any foul odors that may have been present during the composting process. The scent indicates the completion of decomposition and the development of beneficial microbial activity.
Absence of recognizable materials: Well-composted materials break down completely, leaving behind no visible traces of their original form. You should not be able to distinguish individual food scraps, leaves, or other compostable items.
Using home compost in urban settings
Enriching garden soil: Mix mature compost into your garden beds or container gardens to improve soil structure, enhance moisture retention, and provide essential nutrients. Incorporating compost boosts plant growth, increases yields, and promotes overall garden health.
Nourishing potted plants and indoor gardens: Use compost as a component in your potting mix to provide vital nutrients to potted plants and indoor gardens. The organic matter in compost helps retain moisture in containers and supports the growth of healthy roots.
Enhancing balcony or rooftop gardens: Urban gardeners with limited space can use compost to create thriving balcony or rooftop gardens. Blend compost with lightweight growing mediums to improve fertility, drainage, and overall plant health in container gardens situated in elevated spaces.
Donating excess compost to community gardens: If you find yourself with an abundance of compost, consider donating it to local community gardens or urban agriculture projects. This way, you can contribute to the larger urban farming movement while ensuring that your compost finds a useful home.
Conclusion
Composting in urban environments is not only feasible but highly beneficial. By embracing composting, you contribute to waste reduction, create a valuable resource, and cultivate a sustainable and regenerative approach to gardening. So, don’t hesitate to embark on your own urban composting journey. Start small, experiment, and observe the transformative power of turning waste into gold in your urban oasis.
Thank you for joining us on this composting adventure. Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty and embark on your own urban composting journey. Let’s close the loop and make a difference, one compost bin at a time!
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