Composting is a sustainable process that turns organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, offering a solution to reduce landfill waste and help the environment. By breaking down kitchen scraps like fruit peels, coffee grounds and vegetable stems, composting creates valuable humus for gardening or enriching the soil.
For apartment dwellers, composting may seem challenging due to limited space and no backyard, but it’s entirely feasible with the right tools and methods. Whether you’re new to composting or looking for ways to make it easier in your small space, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to compost in an apartment.
Why is composting important?
Composting is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint and minimize the waste sent to landfills. In fact, 30-40% of food produced in the U.S. goes to waste, with food scraps being the most common material landfilled, according to the EPA. This contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and the growing waste burden.
By composting, apartment residents can divert food scraps from landfills, reduce harmful methane emissions and foster healthier ecosystems within their communities. Composting isn’t just important for individuals — it’s also crucial for businesses, especially those with high food waste production, such as restaurants, office cafeterias, and other establishments. Learn more about why composting is essential for businesses here.
How to start composting in an apartment
Check your city composting program
Before you start composting, check if your city has a composting program — many major cities do. If you live in a building, it’s possible your property already has a large compost bin provided by the city. If not, you may be able to request a bin and pick-up service through your city’s waste management program.
For example, in Austin, Texas, multifamily properties with five or more units, such as apartments, condos and nursing homes, are required to provide residents and employees with access to commercial composting services. Companies like Texas Disposal Systems offer solutions to help multifamily properties comply with Austin’s Universal Recycling Ordinance, including composting, waste pickup and recycling programs.
What if my city or town doesn’t have a composting program?
Don’t worry if your city doesn’t have a formal composting program. You still have several options. Instead of emptying your compost into a community bin, you can use your finished compost for your potted house plants to enrich the soil or consider contributing it to a local community garden (we’ll cover how to finish your compost below).
Choose your composting method
Depending on whether your city or apartment has a composting program, you may be able to simply collect your food scraps in a bin and empty them into a larger community compost bin. If that’s not an option — or you’d like to manage composting yourself— you can try these different composting methods:
Worm composting (vermicomposting) – This method relies on worms to break down organic material into nutrient-rich compost. Worm bins are compact, easy to maintain and ideal for indoor spaces. They’re especially useful if you want to create compost for indoor plants.
Bokashi composting – A great choice for small apartment compost, this fermentation-based method uses a Bokashi bin and inoculated bran to process food scraps, including meat and dairy without requiring outdoor access. It’s low-mess, low-odor and perfect for tight spaces.
Electric composters – For a fast, odor-free solution, electric composters are a convenient choice. These compact appliances can transform food scraps into compost in just hours. They’re great for those who want a hands-off approach, though they can be more expensive.
Rotating compost bin (for balconies) – If you have outdoor space, a rotating compost bin is ideal for managing larger volumes of organic waste. This method requires a mix of “greens” (like food scraps) and “browns” (such as dried leaves or shredded paper) to maintain proper moisture and airflow.
Select the right bin
Composting in an apartment starts with a simple requirement: a bin with a secure lid to collect your food scraps. The type of bin you choose will depend on your space, lifestyle, and composting method. Here are some things worth considering when choosing a composting bin:
Pick a bin designed for indoor use: Look for bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent odors and pests. Avoid bins with holes unless they are part of a specialized composting system like vermicomposting, as exposed openings can attract bugs.
Size matters: Consider how much food waste you produce. If you cook often and generate a lot of scraps, opt for a larger bin to accommodate your needs without frequent emptying.
Upcycle what you have: For a budget-friendly and sustainable option, repurpose containers you already own. Old plastic bins, coffee tins or even sturdy storage containers can work well as DIY compost bins. Just ensure they’re sealed properly to prevent smells and pests.
If low on space: If your apartment has limited space, consider compact composting options like countertop bins or even freezer-safe compost containers. Countertop bins are small, designed to hold a few days’ worth of scraps. Freezer bins eliminate odors entirely by keeping scraps frozen until you’re ready to compost.
Set up your composting system
Once you’ve chosen the right composting bin for your apartment, the next step is to set it up in a convenient, dry spot. Locations like under the kitchen sink, in a pantry or a closet work well, as they provide easy access without taking up too much space. Be sure to avoid areas prone to excess moisture, as this can lead to odors and attract pests. It’s also a good idea to line your bin with compostable trash bags. These bags help keep the bin clean and make disposal easier while deterring bugs and animals, ensuring a hygienic composting environment.
You don’t want to overfill the bin, either — only add a manageable amount of food scraps at a time to maintain an efficient system. If your bin has ventilation holes, ensure they remain clear to allow for proper airflow, as this helps prevent excess moisture buildup.
Add compostable materials
Now it’s time to start adding your compostable materials directly into your bin. If you’re choosing to compost your own food scraps at home, rather than emptying them into a larger community bin, you’ll want to begin by layering organic waste inside, following the key principle of balancing “greens” and “browns.” Greens are nitrogen-rich materials like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags and eggshells. Browns are carbon-rich materials such as shredded paper, cardboard, dry leaves and straw. Aim for about a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens, as this balance helps the compost break down properly and prevents odors.
As you continue to add scraps to your bin, remember to stir or turn the compost occasionally. This step is important for promoting aeration, which helps keep the materials from becoming compact and ensures the decomposition process is working effectively. If your bin doesn’t allow for easy turning, use a small composting fork or shovel to gently mix the contents from time to time. By layering a variety of materials and keeping the compost aerated, you’ll help it break down faster and eventually produce nutrient-rich compost for your plants.
Maintain your compost
To keep your compost healthy and working efficiently, it’s important to monitor its moisture level. The mixture should stay moist, similar to the consistency of a wrung-out sponge, but not soggy. If the compost is too dry, it will break down slowly, so you’ll need to add a little water to moisten it. On the other hand, if it becomes too wet and starts to smell or attract pests, it’s a sign you need to add more dry materials like shredded paper, cardboard or leaves.
Regularly turning or stirring the compost helps maintain proper airflow, ensuring that the materials decompose evenly. Turning the compost also helps prevent foul odors and keeps the process moving forward, so aim to turn it at least once a week or every few weeks, depending on the size of your bin.
Harvest your finished compost
After a few months, your compost should be ready to harvest. You’ll know it’s done when it has transformed into dark, crumbly material with an earthy, soil-like smell. The compost will no longer resemble the original food scraps or materials you added. At this point, you can use the finished compost to enrich the soil of your houseplants, balcony garden or any outdoor plants you have. It’s also great for adding nutrients to your community garden or donating to others who could benefit from it. If you’re using it in your plants, mix it into the topsoil to provide natural fertilization.
What can be composted in an apartment?
Always check your local composting guidelines, as composting programs can vary by location. However, in general, most organic matter and food scraps can be composted. Some items, like meat, dairy and certain oils, may be acceptable in municipal composting programs but not in home composting systems.
General list of items that are compostable:
Fruit peels and cores (e.g., banana peels, apple cores)
Vegetable scraps (e.g., carrot tops, onion skins)
Coffee grounds and filters
Tea bags (check for plastic components)
Eggshells
Stale bread, grains, and pasta (without sauces or oils)
Grass clippings
Leaves
Small branches and twigs
Plant trimmings
Flowers (without chemicals or preservatives)
Shredded paper (non-glossy, non-colored)
Paper towels and napkins (unused or lightly soiled with water or food)
Cardboard (non-glossy and without plastic coating)
Pizza boxes (if not overly greasy)
Cotton or wool scraps
Dryer lint (from natural fabrics only)
Hair and pet fur
Wood chips and sawdust (from untreated wood)
Nutshells (avoid black walnut shells, which can be toxic to plants)
General list of items that are not compostable:
Meat, fish, and poultry unless your city states otherwise
Dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt) unless your city states otherwise
Fats, oils, and grease
Bones unless your city states otherwise
Plastic, including compostable plastics
Styrofoam
Metal (e.g., aluminum foil, cans)
Glass
Treated wood or sawdust from treated wood (contains harmful chemicals)
Glossy or coated paper (e.g., magazines, receipts)
Synthetic fabrics or fibers (e.g., polyester, nylon)
Pet waste (can contain harmful bacteria or parasites)
Diseased plants or invasive weeds (can spread pathogens or seeds)
Cleaning products and chemical residues
Pesticides and herbicides
Charcoal ash (contains chemicals harmful to plants)
Cat litter (even biodegradable types may contain harmful bacteria)
Large amounts of citrus peels or onion skins (may disrupt the pH balance of compost)
Greasy or oily food scraps (can be slow to break down and attract pests)
Coal ash (contains toxins like sulfur)
Additional tips for apartment composting
Dealing with odors
It’s a common misconception that composting smells bad. As long as you maintain the right balance of materials and keep the bin properly sealed, you shouldn’t experience any unpleasant odors. If there’s a smell, it could be a sign that the compost is too wet or needs more “browns.” If you participate in a city composting program, emptying your personal compost bin frequently and having a tight lid can prevent any unpleasant odors.
Mistakes to avoid
Some common mistakes to avoid include adding meat, dairy, or oily foods if you’re composting the food scraps yourself, which can cause odors. Also, don’t overfill your bin — make sure there’s enough air circulation for the compost to break down efficiently.
Composting in an apartment is an easy, rewarding way to reduce waste and contribute to a healthier environment. By following these steps and choosing the right composting method, you can enjoy the benefits of composting, even in a small space.
Composting made easy with Texas Disposal Systems
Now that you know how to compost kitchen waste in apartments, you’re ready to get started. Texas Disposal Systems offers compost programs tailored to meet the needs of multifamily communities and businesses in Central Texas. These services help organizations stay compliant with Universal Recycling Ordinances, ensuring they have access to convenient composting options.
With our on-site composting facilities, TDS turns organic waste such as food scraps, brush and biosolids into nutrient-rich compost, helping reduce carbon footprints and promoting a more sustainable environment. Contact us today to help build a cleaner, greener community.
