# Home composting > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Home_composting > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Home_composting.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_composting > Source revision: 1332581644 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Using household waste to make compost at home}} {{how-to|date=August 2021}} '''Home composting''' is the process of using household waste to make [compost](/source/compost) at home. Composting is the [biological](/source/biological) [decomposition](/source/decomposition) of [organic waste](/source/Biodegradable_waste) by [recycling](/source/recycling) food and other [organic materials](/source/Organic_matter) into [compost](/source/compost).{{Cite book|date=2011-01-01|title=Agriculture and Agro-Industrial Wastes, Byproducts, and Wastewaters: Origin, Characteristics, and Potential in Bio-Based-Compounds Production|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780080885049003895|language=en|pages=531–545|publisher=Academic Press |doi=10.1016/B978-0-08-088504-9.00389-5|isbn=9780080885049 }} Home composting can be practiced within households for various environmental advantages, such as increasing [soil fertility](/source/soil_fertility), reduce [landfill](/source/landfill) and [methane](/source/methane) contribution, and limit [food waste](/source/Food_loss_and_waste).{{Cite web|last=Hu|first=Shelia|date=2020-07-20|title=Composting 101|url=https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101|access-date=2021-07-27|website=NRDC|language=en}} == History == While composting was cultivated during the [Neolithic Age](/source/Neolithic) in Scotland, home composting experienced a much later start.{{Cite web |title=Carry on Composting ~ Introduction |url=https://www.carryoncomposting.com/142941469.html |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=Carry on Composting |language=en-US}} Indoor composting, also known as home composting, was discovered in 1905 by [Albert Howard](/source/Albert_Howard) who went on to develop the practice for the next 30 years.{{Cite web|title=Short History of Compost|url=https://earthmatter.org/|access-date=2021-07-27|website=Earth Matter}} [J.I. Rodale](/source/J._I._Rodale), considered the pioneer of the organic method in America, continued Howard's work and further developed indoor composting from 1942 on. Since then, various methods of composting have been adapted. Indoor composting aided in [organic gardening](/source/Organic_horticulture) and [farming](/source/Organic_farming) and the development of modern composting. It originally entailed a [layering](/source/layering_(horticulture)) method, where materials are stacked in alternating layers and the stack is turned at least twice. == Fundamentals == === Aerobic vs. Anaerobic === Two ways to home [compost](/source/compost) are through the aerobic and [anaerobic](/source/Anaerobic_digestion) method. Aerobic composting involves the [decomposition](/source/decomposition) of [organic materials](/source/Organic_matter) using [oxygen](/source/oxygen) and is the recommended method for home composting.Misra, R. V., R. N. Roy, and H. Hiraoka. ''On-farm composting methods''. Rome, Italy: UN-FAO, 2003. There are several benefits of aerobic (with [oxygen](/source/oxygen)) composting over [anaerobic](/source/Anaerobic_digestion) (without [oxygen](/source/oxygen)) composting such as less harmful [byproducts](/source/By-product). An example of anaerobic composting is [bokashi composting](/source/Bokashi_(horticulture)).While aerobic composting does produce some [carbon dioxide](/source/carbon_dioxide), [anaerobic](/source/Anaerobic_digestion) composting releases [methane](/source/methane), which is a [greenhouse gas](/source/greenhouse_gas) significantly more harmful than [carbon dioxide](/source/carbon_dioxide).{{Cite web|last=Worp|first=Sarah|title=Aerobic vs Anaerobic Composting Systems - CompostNow|url=https://compostnow.org/blog/aerobic-vs-anaerobic-composting-systems/|access-date=2021-08-04|website=compostnow.org|date=2 March 2020 |language=en}} Aerobic [compost](/source/compost) is a faster process due to availability of [oxygen](/source/oxygen) allowing for growth of composting [microorganisms.](/source/Microorganism) Aerobic composting calls for larger bins, [oxygen](/source/oxygen), moisture, and turning (only if without worms). === Organic Waste === thumb|Home composting pile with added kitchen waste There are various types of [organic waste](/source/Biodegradable_waste) that can be used to [compost](/source/compost) at home. Composting requires two types of [organic materials](/source/Organic_matter): "green" waste and "brown" waste.{{Cite web|last=US EPA|first=OLEM|date=2013-04-17|title=Composting At Home|url=https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home|access-date=2021-07-29|website=[United States Environmental Protection Agency](/source/United_States_Environmental_Protection_Agency)|language=en}} This is due to [organic waste](/source/Biodegradable_waste) requiring four [elements](/source/Chemical_element) to [decompose](/source/decompose): [nitrogen](/source/nitrogen), [carbon](/source/carbon), [oxygen](/source/oxygen), and [water](/source/water). A proper [carbon-to-nitrogen ratio](/source/carbon-to-nitrogen_ratio) must be maintained along with proper [oxygen](/source/oxygen) and [water](/source/water) levels in order to create [compost](/source/compost). An effective [ratio](/source/ratio) is 25-30 parts [carbon](/source/carbon) to 1 part [nitrogen](/source/nitrogen). All compostable material has [carbon](/source/carbon), but have different levels of [nitrogen](/source/nitrogen). Greens have a lower [carbon-to-nitrogen ratio](/source/carbon-to-nitrogen_ratio). Greens refer to leafy or fresh organic ingredients and are generally wet. Browns are richer in [carbon](/source/carbon) and are generally dry ingredients.{{Cite web|title=How To Compost At Home : Life Kit|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/04/07/828918397/how-to-compost-at-home|access-date=2021-07-29|website=NPR.org|language=en}} Too much [carbon](/source/carbon) will result in a drier [compost](/source/compost) pile that will take more time to [decompose](/source/Decomposition) while too much [nitrogen](/source/nitrogen) will result in a more moist, slimy, and pungent pile. To obtain an effective [ratio](/source/ratio) for [decomposition](/source/decomposition), include two to four parts brown [compost](/source/compost) to one part green [compost](/source/compost) in the pile. {| class="wikitable" |+What to Compost at Home{{Cite web|title=Making Your Own Compost Is Easy With this Step-by Step Guide|url=https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/how-to-compost/|access-date=2021-07-31|website=Better Homes & Gardens|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=What to Compost - List of Household Items Safe for Composting|url=https://www.organiclesson.com/composting-tool/|access-date=2021-07-31|website=Organic Lesson|language=en}} !Greens !Browns |- |Fresh grass clippings/leaves |Dead leaves |- |Fruits and vegetables |Branches |- |Fruit and vegetable peels and rinds |Twigs |- |Food scraps |Nut shells (except walnuts) |- |Cooked rice/pasta |Paper (stationery, newspaper, toilet paper, napkins, etc.) |- |Stale bread |Plain cardboard (not glossy) |- |Egg shells |Paper egg cartons |- |Coffee grounds |Used paper coffee filters |- |Tea bags |Lint |- |Hair, fur, and nail clippings |Pet bedding (from hamsters and such) |} {| class="wikitable" |+What Not to Compost at Home !Materia !Reason |- |Meat or fish (including bones) |Creates odor and attracts pests |- |Dairy products (eggs, milk butter, etc.) |Creates odor and attracts pests |- |Fats and oils |Creates odor and attracts pests |- |Pet feces |Might have harmful parasites, bacteria, viruses, etc. to humans |- |Coal ash |Might have harmful substances to plants |- |Yard trimmings with pesticides |Might have harmful substances to plants |} == Implementation == thumb|188x188px|Closed bin home composting using a polystyrene box === Step 1: Set Up Bin === The first step of composting at home is to secure a composting bin and location. * Bin Type - Composting indoors usually calls for a closed bin method while composting outside in the garden or yard allows for the open bin method without a cover. [Compost](/source/Compost) bins can be purchased online but various alternatives for closed [compost](/source/compost) bins are old wooden dressers, garbage cans, wine crates, and more while open [compost](/source/compost) bins can be made using wooden posts, metal stakes, and wire mesh. * Bin Size - Bin size can range from 5 gallon bins for a small household to 18 gallons for a large household.{{Cite web|date=2017-09-13|title=All You Need to Know About Indoor Composting|url=https://www.bobvila.com/articles/indoor-composting/|access-date=2021-08-03|website=Bob Vila|language=en}} A 3 x 3 x 3 foot container will also suffice. * [Drainage](/source/Drainage) - Bins need ample [drainage](/source/drainage) and may require holes to be drilled at the bottom. * Location - Whether indoor or outdoor, locating the bin in a dry and shady spot is suggested.{{Cite web|title=Home Composting & Green Landscaping|url=https://www.mass.gov/lists/home-composting-green-landscaping|access-date=2021-08-03|website=www.mass.gov|language=en}} thumb|Open bin home composting Securing an additional smaller [compost](/source/compost) bin to collect [food](/source/food) scraps is recommended if the primary bin is further from the main area where [compost](/source/compost) materials are frequently produced. This will avoid the inconvenience of constantly moving to the location of the main [compost](/source/compost) bin.{{Cite web|last=Greatley|first=Dan|date=2018-06-16|title=Composting in Small Spaces|url=http://tinylifegear.com/composting-in-small-spaces/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812185652/http://tinylifegear.com/composting-in-small-spaces/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=August 12, 2021|access-date=2021-08-04|website=Tiny Life Gear|language=en-US}} === Step 2: Gather Materials === The next step to home composting is to gather materials for the [compost](/source/compost) layers. Most items available in a household include various food scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, shredded paper, and more.{{Cite web|last=Vanderlinden|first=Colleen|date=2020-07-30|title=Tips for Indoor Composting|url=https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-indoor-composting-2539618|access-date=2021-08-05|website=The Spruce|language=en}} To maintain a proper [carbon-to-nitrogen ratio](/source/carbon-to-nitrogen_ratio), collect approximately two to four parts of brown [compost](/source/compost) matter to one part green [compost](/source/compost) matter. Breaking down ingredients before adding them to the [compost](/source/compost) pile will allow them to [decompose](/source/Decomposition) more easily and quickly. === Step 3: Add to Bin === There are various methods of composting but the suggested method at home involves aerobic composting with worms ([vermicompost](/source/vermicompost)ing) or without worms. ==== Layering ==== Home composting can be completed through a layering process. Start with a layer of coarse ingredients to allow for airflow, then alternate with layers of [nitrogen](/source/nitrogen)-rich (greens) and [carbon](/source/carbon)-rich materials (browns), and mix together. Bury food scraps in the center of the pile and add [soil](/source/soil) on top for every few layers. thumb|185x185px|Vermicomposting using red wigglers ==== Vermicomposting ==== To [vermicompost](/source/vermicompost), approximately one pound of worms can be added to the top of the [soil](/source/soil) layer but will need ample bedding (newspaper, shredded paper, etc.). Red wiggler worms ([Eisenia fetida](/source/Eisenia_fetida)) are suggested as they are able to eat half their body weight in one day.{{Cite web|last=B.|first=Donny|date=2014-01-01|title=Why Red Wiggler Worms? -|url=https://thesquirmfirm.com/why-red-wiggler-worms/|access-date=2021-08-07|website=thesquirmfirm.com|language=en-US}} [Vermicompost](/source/Vermicompost)ing can take place indoors or outdoors. However, it is recommended to keep the worm bin indoors since worms can die from extreme temperatures. [Vermicompost](/source/Vermicompost)ing is faster (2–3 months) than no-worm composting (3–9 months), involves minimal maintenance, limits odor, and provides multiple [nutrient](/source/nutrient)s to the soil.{{Cite web|date=2017-08-21|title=What is the Difference Between Vermicomposting with Worms and Hot Composting?|url=https://unclejimswormfarm.com/difference-vermicomposting-worms-hot-composting/|access-date=2021-08-06|website=Uncle Jim's Worm Farm|language=en-US}} === Step 4: Aftercare === thumb|248x248px|Composter with rolling design for easy turning ==== Maintenance ==== Regardless of the method used, a proportionally small amount of water may need to be added to the pile when dry to ensure proper moisture content. Composting without worms will require turning the pile every few weeks to guarantee proper [aeration](/source/aeration). The more often it is turned, the faster the [compost](/source/compost) will [decompose](/source/Decomposition).{{Cite web|last=Rhoades|first=Heather|date=2021-02-22|title=Turning Your Compost Heap – How To Aerate A Compost Pile|url=https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/turning-compost-pile.htm|access-date=2021-08-07|website=www.gardeningknowhow.com}} [Vermicompost](/source/Vermicompost)ing does not require turning. ==== Usage ==== [Compost](/source/Compost) is finished if the material is dark, crumbly, smells earthy, and contains no added scraps.{{Cite web|last=Krosofsky|first=Andrew|date=2020-11-03|title=How to Use Compost as Fertilizer|url=https://www.greenmatters.com/p/how-to-use-compost-as-fertilizer|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Green Matters|language=en-US}} Finished [compost](/source/compost) can be used in a multitude of ways such as for [mulch](/source/mulch), amending [soil](/source/soil), [fertilizer](/source/fertilizer), and compost tea. {| class="wikitable" |+Methods of Using Compost !Use !Instruction |- |[Mulch](/source/Mulch) |Apply a 3-6 inch layer to the bed and rake. |- |Amend [Soil](/source/Soil) |Mix 1–2 inches of the [compost](/source/compost) into the top 3–5 inches of the [soil](/source/soil). This can also be done before adding plants or seeds to [aerate](/source/aerate) the [soil](/source/soil) and add [nutrient](/source/nutrient)s.{{Cite web|last=Ellis|first=Mary Ellen|date=2020-01-13|title=What To Do With Compost – Learn About Compost Uses In The Garden|url=https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/what-to-do-with-compost.htm|access-date=2021-08-08|website=www.gardeningknowhow.com}} |- |[Fertilizer](/source/Fertilizer) |Add 1-2 inches of [compost](/source/compost) to grass or plant pots and rake or mix. |- |[Compost](/source/Compost) Tea (liquid fertilizer) |Steep the [compost](/source/compost) in water for a few days, strain, and use it to water or mist plants. |} == Environmental Benefits == === Increase Soil Health === Home composting will promote [soil health](/source/soil_health) biologically, chemically, and structurally.{{Cite web|title=Compost – Improves Soil Health|url=https://www.compostingcouncil.org/page/SoilHealthBenefits|access-date=2021-08-08|website=US Composting Council}} It contains three major [nutrient](/source/nutrient)s ([nitrogen](/source/nitrogen), [phosphorus](/source/phosphorus), and [potassium](/source/potassium)) as well as other elements like [calcium](/source/calcium), [iron](/source/iron), [magnesium](/source/magnesium), and [zinc](/source/zinc) that assist in [soil](/source/soil) and [plant](/source/plant) health. It works as a natural and [organic fertilizer](/source/organic_fertilizer) as opposed to using synthetic [fertilizer](/source/fertilizer)s with harmful [chemicals](/source/Chemical_substance).Chai, R., Ye, X., Ma, C. ''et al.'' Greenhouse gas emissions from synthetic nitrogen manufacture and fertilization for main upland crops in China. ''Carbon Balance Manage'' 14, 20 (2019). {{doi|10.1186/s13021-019-0133-9|doi-access=free}} Home [compost](/source/compost) is also able to improve [soil water retention](/source/Soil_water_(retention)), capacity, and productivity.{{Cite web|last=O'Connor|first=Claire|date=2014-08-11|title=Using compost to improve soil health and crop productivity|url=https://www.nrdc.org/experts/claire-oconnor/using-compost-improve-soil-health-and-crop-productivity|access-date=2021-08-08|website=NRDC|language=en}} It provides beneficial [microbes](/source/Microorganism) that increase [nutrient](/source/nutrient)s and [humus](/source/humus) formation in the [soil](/source/soil). [Humus](/source/Humus) acts like a glue agent and binds [soil](/source/soil) together, which helps prevent [soil erosion](/source/soil_erosion).{{Cite web|title=Compost – Erosion Control Benefits|url=https://www.compostingcouncil.org/page/ErosionBenefits|access-date=2021-08-08|website=US Composting Council}} === Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions === thumb|Landfill located in Perth, West Australia One benefit of aerobic home composting is the reduction in [methane emissions](/source/methane_emissions), one of the most threatening [greenhouse gas](/source/greenhouse_gas)es to the environment.{{Cite web|last=Borunda|first=Alejandra|date=2019-01-23|title=Methane facts and information|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/methane|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218020654/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/methane|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 18, 2021|access-date=2021-08-09|website=National Geographic|language=en}} [Food waste](/source/Food_loss_and_waste) and packaging are responsible for 70% of household [waste](/source/waste) that resides in [landfill](/source/landfill)s.{{Cite web|last=Paul|first=Arindam|date=2019-06-11|title=13 Daily Habits That Are Bad For The Environment|url=https://blueandgreentomorrow.com/environment/13-daily-habits-that-are-bad-for-environment/|access-date=2021-07-23|website=Blue and Green Tomorrow}} It is estimated that one third of all food produced will be wasted.{{Cite web |date=May 19, 2024 |title=Fight climate change by preventing food waste |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/fight-climate-change-by-preventing-food-waste#:~:text=And%20if%20food%20goes%20to,if%20we%20stop%20wasting%20food. |website=World Wildlife Fund}} Over 95% of [food waste](/source/Food_loss_and_waste) ends up at [landfill](/source/landfill)s where it produces [methane](/source/methane), [carbon dioxide](/source/carbon_dioxide), and other [greenhouse gas](/source/greenhouse_gas)es through [anaerobic digestion](/source/anaerobic_digestion). For example, meats such as beef are the greatest producers of methane gas in landfills.{{Cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Tom |date=May 19, 2024 |title="On-Campus Composting: How to Start, Evolve, And ..." |url=https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/attachments/u2182/2019/On-Campus%20Composting_%20How%20to%20Start%2C%20Evolve%2C%20and%20Overcome%20Challenges%20-%20FINAL.pdf |website=Western Michigan University}} These [greenhouse gas](/source/greenhouse_gas)es trap heat within the [atmosphere](/source/atmosphere) and further contribute to [climate change](/source/climate_change).Melikoglu, M., Lin, C. S. K., & Webb, C. (2013). "Analysing global food waste problem: pinpointing the facts and estimating the energy content." ''Central European Journal of Engineering'', 3(2), 157-164. It is predicted that by 2050, global [greenhouse gas emissions](/source/greenhouse_gas_emissions) will increase by 80% from food production alone.Lentz, Cheyenne. (2018-11-05). "5 Things You Do Every Day That Are Good for the Environment and 5 That Are Hurting It." ''Insider.'' Retrieved 2021-07-23. Home composting can limit [landfill](/source/landfill) waste and therefore, [methane emissions](/source/methane_emissions) as well. When [food waste](/source/Food_loss_and_waste) is thrown out and ends up in [waterway](/source/waterway)s, it can contribute to [algae blooms](/source/Algal_bloom). [Algae blooms](/source/Algal_bloom) can produce [toxic](/source/Toxicity) emissions that have harmful health effects on mammals and organisms, including humans.Carmichael, W. W., & Boyer, G. L. (2016). "Health impacts from cyanobacteria harmful algae blooms: Implications for the North American Great Lakes." Harmful algae, 54, 194-212. [Eutrophication](/source/Eutrophication), or extreme [nutrient](/source/nutrient) levels, leads to dense [algae bloom](/source/Algal_bloom) formation which can damage drinking water and develop “[dead zones](/source/Dead_zone_(ecology))” that harm marine life. [Algae blooms](/source/Algal_bloom) also heavily contribute to global [methane emissions](/source/methane_emissions).{{Cite web|title=Worsening Algae Blooms Could Significantly Increase Global Methane Emissions|url=https://e360.yale.edu/digest/worsening-algae-blooms-could-significantly-increase-global-methane-emissions|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Yale E360|language=en-US}} [Greenhouse gas](/source/Greenhouse_gas)es are emitted in the manufacturing of synthetic [fertilizer](/source/fertilizer)s so by using organic [compost](/source/compost) material to [fertilize](/source/Fertilizer) home gardens instead, these emissions will be reduced. By limiting the amount of [food waste](/source/Food_loss_and_waste) that ends up in [landfill](/source/landfill)s and using homemade [fertilizer](/source/fertilizer) through home composting, households will reduce their [carbon footprint](/source/carbon_footprint). thumb|42.4 kg of avoidable food waste found in New Zealand household rubbish bins in 2014 === Reduce Waste === [Food waste](/source/Food_loss_and_waste) contributes to the hunger crisis, in which 690 million people in the world are [undernourished](/source/Malnutrition)Action Against Hunger. (2021). "World Hunger: Key Facts and Statistics 2021." ''Action Against Hunger''. Retrieved 2021-07-23. and households are the reason behind a significant fraction of [food waste](/source/Food_loss_and_waste).{{Cite web|date=2020|title=The Problem of Food Waste|url=https://foodprint.org/issues/the-problem-of-food-waste/|access-date=2021-07-23|website=FoodPrint|publisher=Grace Communications Foundation}} A food chain [waste](/source/waste) study of Melbourne demonstrated that 40% of [waste](/source/waste) occurs post-consumer. This adds to the wastage of energy, emissions, and cost of production and supply.Pears, A. (2017). "Targeting energy efficiency: Halve consumption, double productivity." ReNew: Technology for a Sustainable Future, (141), 20-21. Almost an equal amount of food that is produced is disposed of (approximately 40%). The [U.S Department of Agriculture](/source/United_States_Department_of_Agriculture) estimates that approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food were wasted in 2010 alone.{{Cite web|title=Why should we care about food waste?|url=https://www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste/why|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230510121915/https://www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste/why|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 10, 2023|access-date=2021-07-23|website=www.usda.gov|language=en}} Home composting can limit the amount of [waste](/source/waste) contributed by households since it will not be disposed of but instead be used productively. == References == {{reflist}} Category:Composting --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Home composting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_composting) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_composting?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.