Home composting is the process of using household waste to make compost at home. Composting is the biological decomposition of organic waste by recycling food and other organic materials into compost. Home composting can be practiced within households for various environmental advantages, such as increasing soil fertility, reduce landfill and methane contribution, and limit food waste.
History While composting was cultivated during the Neolithic Age in Scotland, home composting experienced a much later start. Indoor composting, also known as home composting, was discovered in 1905 by Albert Howard who went on to develop the practice for the next 30 years. 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 and farming and the development of modern composting. It originally entailed a layering 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 are through the aerobic and anaerobic method. Aerobic composting involves the decomposition of organic materials using oxygen and is the recommended method for home composting. There are several benefits of aerobic (with oxygen) composting over anaerobic (without oxygen) composting such as less harmful byproducts. An example of anaerobic composting is bokashi composting.While aerobic composting does produce some carbon dioxide, anaerobic composting releases methane, which is a greenhouse gas significantly more harmful than carbon dioxide. Aerobic compost is a faster process due to availability of oxygen allowing for growth of composting microorganisms. Aerobic composting calls for larger bins, oxygen, moisture, and turning (only if without worms).
Organic Waste
There are various types of organic waste that can be used to compost at home. Composting requires two types of organic materials: "green" waste and "brown" waste. This is due to organic waste requiring four elements to decompose: nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and water. A proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratio must be maintained along with proper oxygen and water levels in order to create compost. An effective ratio is 25-30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. All compostable material has carbon, but have different levels of nitrogen. Greens have a lower carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Greens refer to leafy or fresh organic ingredients and are generally wet. Browns are richer in carbon and are generally dry ingredients. Too much carbon will result in a drier compost pile that will take more time to decompose while too much nitrogen will result in a more moist, slimy, and pungent pile. To obtain an effective ratio for decomposition, include two to four parts brown compost to one part green compost in the pile.
Implementation
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 bins can be purchased online but various alternatives for closed compost bins are old wooden dressers, garbage cans, wine crates, and more while open 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. A 3 x 3 x 3 foot container will also suffice. Drainage - Bins need ample 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.
Securing an additional smaller compost bin to collect food scraps is recommended if the primary bin is further from the main area where compost materials are frequently produced. This will avoid the inconvenience of constantly moving to the location of the main compost bin.
Step 2: Gather Materials The next step to home composting is to gather materials for the compost layers. Most items available in a household include various food scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, shredded paper, and more. To maintain a proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, collect approximately two to four parts of brown compost matter to one part green compost matter. Breaking down ingredients before adding them to the compost pile will allow them to decompose 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 (vermicomposting) 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-rich (greens) and carbon-rich materials (browns), and mix together. Bury food scraps in the center of the pile and add soil on top for every few layers.
Vermicomposting To vermicompost, approximately one pound of worms can be added to the top of the soil layer but will need ample bedding (newspaper, shredded paper, etc.). Red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida) are suggested as they are able to eat half their body weight in one day. Vermicomposting can take place indoors or outdoors. However, it is recommended to keep the worm bin indoors since worms can die from extreme temperatures. Vermicomposting is faster (2–3 months) than no-worm composting (3–9 months), involves minimal maintenance, limits odor, and provides multiple nutrients to the soil.
Step 4: Aftercare
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. The more often it is turned, the faster the compost will decompose. Vermicomposting does not require turning.
Usage Compost is finished if the material is dark, crumbly, smells earthy, and contains no added scraps. Finished compost can be used in a multitude of ways such as for mulch, amending soil, fertilizer, and compost tea.
Environmental Benefits
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