How to compost: Easily repurpose kitchen scraps at home

Cody Godwin, USA TODAY
Updated ·2 min read

Composting food scraps might be easier than you think.

There are different levels of composting depending on what you hope to achieve. Some methods involve worms while others let nature take its course. Either way it's a win because the waste is broken down naturally and stays out of a landfill.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), backyard composting needs four things: browns, greens, water and air. “Browns” refer to carbon-rich materials, like dry leaves and shredded cardboard, while “greens” refer to nitrogen-rich items, like food scraps and coffee grounds.

You can compost if you live in an apartment, too! Find a local organization that accepts donations or a paid pickup service. Alternatively, see if your city has a compost dump or ask a friend or family member with outdoor space or a garden if they want it.

So skip the trash can and check out these easy tips for composting.

Watch this video to see how to compost kitchen scraps at home.

What can I put in a compost bin?

The first step on your journey is to get a composting bin for your kitchen. You can store the bin in the freezer or in a cool and dark place, such as under the sink, to prevent smells.

Not all food items are compostable, but some non-food items can be composted. Here are some do’s and don’ts around what you can and can’t compost:

Do compost: 

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps (but not the produce stickers).

  • Moldy & expired food.

  • Eggshells.

  • Stale or moldy bread.

  • Some egg cartons.

  • Paper towels.

  • Shredded junk mail and cardboard.

  • Human and pet hair.

  • Coffee grounds and paper filters.

Don’t compost: 

  • Egg whites or yolks.

  • Fats.

  • Cheeses.

  • Meats.

  • Oils and liquids.

  • Plastic.

How to compost

When you’re ready to start backyard composting, the EPA recommends layering your compostable items “like lasagna.”

The organization recommends a base of four to six inches of “bulky browns such as twigs and woodchips” before laying greens and browns over it in that order. The pile may need a little water and occasional mixing.

If you’re worried about rodents or pests, consider a large compost bin with a lid and bury food scraps in the pile.

Reviewed-approved home supplies

Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Reviewed helps you find the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of home experts test everything from air purifiers to vacuum cleaners help you shop for the best of the best.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to compost at home: Repurpose your kitchen scraps easily