What NOT to Compost
To prevent unpleasant odors, avoid attracting unwanted pests, and protect your plants from diseases, keep the following items out of your home compost:
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Meat, fish, poultry, and animal bones
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Dairy products like cheese, butter, milk, and yogurt
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Cooking oils, fats, and greasy foods
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Pet waste or used cat litter
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Diseased or insect-infested plants
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Weeds that have set seeds
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Glossy colored paper, plastic wrappers, or chemically treated wood
Step 1: Choose Your Composting Method and Location
Select a setup that fits your living space and daily lifestyle:
Outdoor Compost Bin or Tumbler
If you have a backyard or patio, an outdoor compost bin or rotating tumbler is ideal. Place your bin in a well-drained area that receives a mix of sun and shade. A tumbler makes turning the compost effortless, while an open bin or pile directly on the ground allows earthworms and soil microbes to enter easily.
Indoor Countertop or Vermicomposting
If you live in an apartment or lack outdoor space, you can still compost indoors. A small sealed countertop bin with a charcoal filter holds kitchen scraps without odor until you empty it. Alternatively, vermicomposting (composting using special red wiggler worms in a compact indoor bin) turns food waste into nutrient-rich castings cleanly and quickly inside a closet or under a sink.
Step 2: Build and Layer Your Compost
Building a compost pile is all about layering your materials properly:
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Start with a Base of Browns: Place a four- to six-inch layer of dry twigs, coarse straw, or shredded cardboard at the very bottom of your bin. This ensures good drainage and airflow underneath.
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Alternate Layers: Add a layer of green kitchen scraps on top of the base, followed by a layer of dry brown materials. Layering prevents greens from clumping together and becoming soggy.
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Finish with Browns: Always cover fresh food scraps with a generous layer of dry leaves or shredded cardboard. Covering your green scraps prevents fruit flies, insects, and odors.
