How To Compost At Home FAQ
Want to compost at home but not sure where to start? I totally get it! A few years ago, I knew nothing about composting and felt totally overwhelmed by the prospect of managing food waste in my own yard. Composting is easier than you might think, though, and there are so many ways to compost at home. Check out this composting resource library for answers to all your questions about composting at home!
A few years ago, we moved into a new home and the previous owners left an old rain barrel they repurposed as a compost bin. I hadn’t a clue how to compost, but I was more than intrigued and ready to learn.
After a bit (and I mean a tiny bit!) of research, I dove headfirst into that compost pile and haven’t looked back. I don’t mind a little trial and error in life, so I’ve made my fair share of composting mistakes along the way and learned from each one of them.
Learning To Compost At Home Through Resources, Interviews, and Experiments
Since my first foray into playing with food waste, I’ve read a dozen or more books on composting and far too many blog posts. I’ve written my fair share on the topic as well.
I interview other everyday families that compost at home and share their stories to help normalize composting with the hope that each of their examples can garner confidence in those not quite sure about where to start with composting at home.
I’ve turned our home and yard into my own little laboratory of home composting experiments. We have a repurposed rain barrel compost bin and three DIY compost bins made from repurposed wood pallets.
We use a compost tumbler (that I picked up off the side of the street after someone set it out for the trash). We have a Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 electronic composter. And I have ambitions to try vermicomposting and Bokashi but just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
I also run WasteWell, a composting service for those in my local area who want to compost at home but don’t have the resources or ability to do so on their own. All that is to say, I’m a serious composting nerd, and I’ve fully embraced every ounce of this self-proclaimed title.
So Many Confusing Composting Resources
The more I’ve learned about composting, however, the more I believe that so many composting resources are garbage (you like how I did that?). Heavy books turn composting into an unapproachable and highly technical science. Trendy blog posts make it sound so easy it’s foolproof. Let me reassure you it’s neither of those things.
A few good books are popping up that take a reasonable approach to composting at home, and I think they can be really helpful. Maybe one day I’ll have a composting book of my own (literary agents are you listening…)?
For now, you can check out the composting books I’ve reviewed and recommended on the blog. Grab one or two from your library if you’re feeling so inclined.
While a simple one-size-fits-all approach for composting at home would be nice, it’s just not realistic. How to compost at home really depends on so many factors, not the least of which include: the type of home and climate in which you live, the amount of time and physical ability you have to dedicate to compost management, and the amount of organic waste you and your family generate.
Composting At Home Frequently Asked Questions
I get questions almost daily about how to compost at home from friends, family, neighbors, and people who follow me on social media. When I get new questions, I try to update this Composting At Home Frequently Asked Questions blog series. I know lots of people have the same questions, so let’s lay it all out on the table!
If you’re looking to learn how to compost at home, check out the articles in the compost resource library at the bottom of this post. Hopefully, you’ll find answers to all your questions. If not, leave your questions in the comments! I’ll do my best to answer your questions and probably create new FAQs to go along with them.
How To Compost At Home FAQ (2021)
If you’re not sure where to start, check out this “How To Compost At Home” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), a growing list of resources where I answer all sorts of common and unique questions to help you learn how to compost at home.
What is Composting?
What is composting and why is it important? Here are all the details about the basics of composting.
What Can I Compost At Home?
Wondering what you can put in your compost bin at home? Read through for more details about what can and cannot go into a compost bin at home, “greens” versus “browns” in your compost pile, and even a few notes to clear up some compost ingredient confusions.
13 Great Ways To Compost At Home
Do you know how to compost at home? Just about anyone can do it! It’s much easier than you think, and it’s not dirty at all. In fact, it may even save you money and make your kitchen cleaner!
Composting at home has tons of benefits for your family and the environment. If you don’t already compost, check out these thirteen ways to compost at home and find one that will work for you!
How To Store Food Scraps For Composting At Home
Are you interested in composting at home but don’t know how to store your food scraps until you’re ready to take them out to your compost bin? Here are several ways to store food scraps for composting at home.
Does Composting Attract Animals?
If I compost at home, will I attract unwanted animals to my yard and my house? Let’s dive into this very common concern about starting your own compost bin at home. In short, if you compost properly, you won’t attract unwanted pests looking for an easy lunch.
What Is The Right Ratio of Greens and Browns For Composting At Home?
What’s with all the “browns” and “greens” chatter in composting? Inputs to compost are all the colors of the rainbow, not just brown and green. So why the terms and, more importantly, how much of each do you need in your compost bin? Read on for all the details about how much “greens” and “browns” you need in a compost pile. Hint: It’s not as scientific as you think.
9 Types of Free Compost Browns | The Simplest Fix For Slow and Slimy Compost Bins
Wondering how to get your compost bin working better? One of the most common questions I get about composting at home often has a really simple solution; beginner composters don’t have enough compost browns in their bin. Read on for nine great sources of brown material for compost bins.
How To Know Where To Put Your Compost Bin
Thinking about composting at home and not sure where to put your compost bin? Consider these questions to figure out where to put your at-home compost bin.
Should A Compost Pile Be In The Sun or Shade?
Check out this post to answer the question about where your compost bin should live. Read on to find out if your at-home compost heap should reside in the sun, in the shade, or if it even matters.
Can I Compost In An Apartment?
Thinking about composting at home but you live in an apartment or condominium? There are plenty of ways to compost in an apartment, and I’ve got all the details for a variety of ways to compost in an apartment or condominium.
Can I Compost In A Suburban Neighborhood?
Wondering how to compost in a suburban neighborhood or subdivision? Try one of these eight composting methods that are great for small or suburban yards and won’t upset your neighbors.
Can I Compost In Winter?
Are you wondering if you can compost in winter? You’re not alone! I get this question often from people who live in cold weather climates. After all, doesn’t a compost pile need to be hot to decompose, and won’t it just freeze in winter? The short answer is you can definitely compost in winter. Read on for more details and some things to consider if you want to reduce food waste year-round.
An Unpaid Review of the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50
Wondering if the Vitamix FoodCycler FC-50 electronic composter is right for you? Read on for an unpaid review of the FoodCycler from a self-proclaimed composting nerd. I’ve tested a bunch of different composting methods and love to chat about all things composting at home. Hopefully, I can help you figure out if the FoodCycler is right for you.
What Can I Compost From Halloween?
Wondering what Halloween decorations can be composted after the holiday? A truly zero-waste Halloween is unlikely, but composting Halloween items can help reduce Halloween waste.
Read on for more about what Halloween costumes, decorations, candy, and more you can compost to reduce your Halloween waste. There might be more you can compost from Halloween than you initially think!
