Composting: A Simple Way to Reduce Kitchen Waste

Recently I start composting. I have been thinking of doing it for a long time, but was worried that it would be a hard work.

I started to set it up and notice that it’s not complicated. I am still new to this, but it’s a great way to reduce waste.

Ideally we can all have a waste management system that turn our food waste to fertilizer, reusing the valuable resources. We can hope for the better future, but for now, we can try to do it ourselves.

If composting seems intimidating, you’re not alone. Many people worry about odors and insects. This guide explains everything you need to know about composting, including different methods and how to get started.

What Is Composting?

Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter like food scraps and yard waste through microorganisms to create nutrient-rich soil.

The finished compost is packed with nutrients that make excellent fertilizer. You can use it instead of chemical fertilizers in your garden beds or potted plants.

Many communities are now promoting composting to reduce municipal waste. It’s a win-win solution that both decreases landfill use and produces free fertilizer. Check with your local government—some offer rebates or subsidies for purchasing composters.

How to Compost

1. Set up your composter Add substrate material to your container. Slightly damp conditions help kickstart decomposition.
2. Add kitchen scraps Toss in vegetable peels, fruit cores, and other food waste. Cutting larger items into smaller pieces speeds up decomposition.
3. Mix regularly Stir the contents after adding new material. If odor concerns you, sprinkle a thin layer of soil on top as a natural deodorizer. Regular turning improves airflow and speeds up the composting process.
4. Allow time to mature When your composter fills up, let it sit for 1-2 months. Even during this resting period, turn the pile every couple of weeks for more efficient decomposition.

Follow the specific instructions that came with your composter, as methods vary by type.

What Can You Compost?

Not everything breaks down well in a home composter. For most household systems, aim for 300-500g of material per day.

Compostable Items:

• Grains (rice, pasta, bread)
• Small amounts of meat and fish
• Fruits and vegetables
• Tea leaves and coffee grounds
• Houseplant trimmings
• Newspaper and plain paper
• General food scraps

*Note: Onion peels, garlic skins, and eggshells decompose more slowly but can still be composted.

Keep These Out:

• Dairy products
• Large amounts of eggs
• Cooking oils
• Fish bones
• Spoiled or moldy food
• Pet waste
• Seashells
• Wooden items like chopsticks and toothpicks
• Rubber bands
• Plastic of any kind

*Different composters may have specific guidelines, so check your model’s instructions.

Types of Composters

Garden Bins These bottomless containers sit directly on soil. Ideal for households with yards, they can handle kitchen scraps plus yard waste like leaves and grass clippings.

Electric Food Digesters These indoor appliances dry and process food waste automatically. They’re odorless and as convenient as using a trash can, though they do use electricity and produce some noise.

Bokashi Systems These sealed containers use special microbes (often in rice bran) to ferment food waste. Their compact size works well in apartments, and the tight seal prevents insect problems. You may notice an acidic smell when opening the lid.

Tumbling Composters Featuring a rotating drum with a handle, these composters provide excellent aeration for faster decomposition. Their compact design suits small spaces including apartments.

Compost Bags These specially designed bags contain substrate and food waste. The zippered closure helps prevent insects and odors. They come in apartment-friendly sizes with stylish designs.

Worm Bins These systems use worms to process food waste. Watching the worms work can be enjoyable, and even small apartments can accommodate mini worm bins. Just avoid adding citrus, which worms dislike.

Cardboard Composters Simply add substrate to a cardboard box for an easy DIY solution. Great for gardens or balconies, though you’ll need to replace the cardboard periodically as it breaks down.

Pros and Cons of Composting

Benefits:

• Reduces household waste volume
• Decreases plastic trash bag usage
• Produces free, high-quality fertilizer
• Lightens municipal waste management burden
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfills

Composting offers numerous advantages. Beyond reducing waste, you’ll save money on garbage bags and garden fertilizer. Since food waste contains high moisture content that’s inefficient to incinerate, diverting it to compost helps reduce carbon emissions.

Challenges:

• Requires regular maintenance and turning
• May attract insects if not managed properly
• Can produce odors if imbalanced

Composting does require some effort. You’ll need to turn the contents several times weekly, and it takes time to produce finished compost. Without proper management, insects or odors can develop.

Preventing Pest Problems

• Inspect your composter regularly for insects or eggs
• Keep the composter covered to prevent insects from entering
• If pests appear, spread contents in a thin layer in the sun temporarily

Good pest management starts with properly covering your composter. Maintaining higher internal temperatures through regular turning creates conditions unfavorable for many pests.

Controlling Odors

• Turn contents thoroughly, mixing from the bottom
• Limit high-moisture foods, fish, and meat
• If odors develop, stop adding new material for 2-3 days to allow decomposition

Excess moisture often causes unpleasant smells. Adding too much protein-rich material like meat or fish can create noticeable odors. Regular turning and occasionally pausing additions helps control problematic smells.

Recommended Compost Products

Compost Bin

Large 300L Composter

This is a large capacity 300L compost bin. You can put in not only kitchen waste but also garden leaves and weeds. It has an opening at the bottom, making it easy to remove the matured compost. The black body increases temperature, speeding up decomposition. It has a simple design that’s easy to install.

Wooden Composter

This is a compost bin made from reclaimed wood. It has elevated legs for good ventilation. It comes with bokashi (fermentation starter) and black soil included, so you can start composting right away. It has a stylish and cute appearance.

Colorful Compost Bin

This is a 26L compost box that can be placed on a balcony. You can choose from colorful options, so it can be coordinated with your balcony decor.

Cute Acorn-shaped Small Compost Bin

This is a playful, cute compost bin in the shape of an acorn. It’s a compact 33L size, so it can be installed without taking up much space. With its cute design, putting kitchen waste in becomes enjoyable.

Electric Food Digesters

Food Waste Processor: Drying, Deodorizing, and Grinding

This is an automatic food waste processor that dries, deodorizes, and grinds food waste just by putting it in. It’s compact in size, so it can be easily placed in the kitchen. It’s great because there’s no unpleasant smell. It’s not very noisy, so you can use it even at night. It can be cleaned with water or in a dishwasher, keeping it hygienic.

Food Waste Processor with Odor Control

This is a recommended product for people who want to compost but are concerned about odors. It comes with deodorizing and dehumidifying functions, so you won’t notice garbage smells even when placed indoors.

Bokashi Systems

Stylish EM Bokashi Compost Bin

This is a 19L capacity compost bin with a cute garbage bin-like appearance. It’s compact in size, so it can be placed even in apartments. You can choose from three colors – white, black, and yellow – to match your interior decor. It has a handle, making it easy to carry. You can decompose food waste just by sprinkling EM bacteria on it.

EM Bokashi Compost Bin

This is a 15L size compost bin. Since it’s compact, it can be used even in apartments. It can be used together with separately sold EM bokashi, and the decomposed liquid can be utilized as fertilizer.

Tumbling Composters

Large Tumbling Composter

This is a large compost bin that can handle food waste and weeds. The interior is divided into two sections, allowing you to mature compost on one side while adding new material to the other side. It’s perfect for outdoor use.

Small Tumbling Composter for indoors and on balconies

This is a small 30L capacity compost bin. It can be rotated using the small handles on the sides. It’s a type that can be used both indoors and on apartment balconies. It comes with wood chips for decomposition, blocks for the bottom, a drawstring bag, and other accessories, so you can start right away without having to purchase anything separately.

Compost Bags

Stylish Compost Bag That Works in Apartments

This is a stylishly designed compost bag. With its bag-like shape, it can be used on apartment balconies. Simply open the zipper to easily add food scraps. It comes with starter material and instructions, so even beginners can start composting with confidence.

LFC Official Website

Mini Compost Bag for Balcony Use

This is a small, cylindrical compost bag. It fits perfectly in small balcony spaces, making it ideal for people living alone. With its affordable price, it’s accessible for those who want to try composting for the first time.

Large 125L Compost Bag

This is a compost bag with a 125-liter capacity. Its large size makes it perfect for garden use. Made of lightweight non-woven fabric, it’s easy to set up. It features a compost removal opening at the bottom for easy access. The input opening is also easy to open, making this bag very user-friendly.

Cardboard Composters

Easy-to-Start Cardboard Compost Set

This is a set with cardboard and base material that allows you to easily start cardboard composting. It comes with an instruction manual, making it recommended for people trying composting for the first time.

10L Compost Fungal Base Material

This is an organic soil amendment for composting made from horse manure, rice straw, and wheat straw. With its large 10-liter capacity, it’s perfect for people who want to compost using large cardboard boxes.

Useful items for Composting

Stainless Steel Scoop

These are scoops that can be used for mixing compost.

Stand for Compost

When using a bag-type compost, you need to place it on a well-ventilated stand that allows air to circulate underneath.

Start Composting Today!

Composting offers a practical way to reduce household waste while creating something valuable. By turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil, you’re completing a sustainable cycle that benefits both your garden and the planet.

As interest grows, we hope to see more community and government initiatives making composting even more accessible to everyone.