If you do not happen to have a yard or access to a composting bin, you can compost indoors. If done correctly, this process can be odorless, pest-free, mess-free, and create amazing compost that can be added to houseplants or window planters.
NYC Sanitation provides an excellent online resource on composting with worm bins, which is one of the most prevalent forms of indoor composting.
Worm Bin Composting
- you will need a container that is around 1 cubic foot, drill approximately 30 holes in the container for ventilation and drainage (on lid, sides, and bottom)
- A tray can be placed under the container to catch any drainage
- use shredded newspaper (1 in2 pieces) to create “bedding” for worms, fill container about 2/3 of the way with it. Moisten bedding with spray bottle
- add about 1 pound of red wriggler worms
- what to add to bin: fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and filter, tea bags, dried up plants
- you can feed the worms scraps daily as you create them, or save them up and add them at once (keep in freezer to preserve freshness and prevent rotting/odors) for 1 lb of worms, do not feed over 3 lbs.
- to feed: move some bedding over and add scraps, then cover with more newspaper (do not leave exposed!)
- after about 1 month, you should have usable compost!
- other tips: always keep bedding moistened and fluff the material around often to encourage airflow, make sure food scraps are in small pieces before feeding, and put the bin in a place with a relatively cool, stable temperature
see references below for more details!
References
Click to access indoor-worm-bin-composting-brochure-06340-f.pdf
Cincinnati At-Home Composting 