Composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce waste, improve soil health, and create a more sustainable home. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, using a composter can help you transform food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost that enhances plant growth.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of how to use a composter, the different types available, and what materials you should (and shouldn’t) put in one.
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Why Compost?
Before diving into the details, let’s talk about why composting is beneficial:
✅ Reduces landfill waste – Around 30% of household waste is compostable, reducing trash volume and methane emissions from landfills.
✅ Improves soil health – Compost enriches the soil with essential nutrients, helping plants thrive.
✅ Retains moisture – Compost helps soil retain water, reducing the need for frequent watering.
✅ Cuts down on chemical fertilizers – Using compost naturally improves soil structure and fertility.
Now that you know the benefits, let’s explore the different types of composters.
Types of Composters
Not all composters are created equal. The type you choose depends on factors like space, time, and the amount of organic waste you produce. Here are the most common types:
1. Compost Bins (Stationary)
🟢 Best for: Home gardens, backyards, and medium to large households.
📏 Size: Medium to large (varies by model).
⏳ Composting time: 3-12 months.
How they work: Compost bins are simple, enclosed containers that hold composting materials in a controlled environment. You add kitchen scraps and yard waste, mix occasionally, and wait for nature to do its work.
✔️ Pros:
- Low maintenance.
- Can handle large amounts of waste.
- Keeps pests out.
❌ Cons:
- Can take months for compost to be ready.
- Requires occasional turning for aeration.
Rotating Composter
2. Tumbling Composters (Rotating Bins)
🟢 Best for: People who want faster composting and have limited space.
📏 Size: Small to medium.
⏳ Composting time: 4-8 weeks.
How they work: Tumbling composters rotate on an axis, allowing you to mix compost materials easily by turning the drum. The aeration speeds up decomposition.
✔️ Pros:
- Faster composting process.
- Easy to turn and mix.
- Reduces odors and pests.
❌ Cons:
- Limited capacity compared to larger compost bins.
- More expensive than basic bins.
3. Worm Composters (Vermicomposting)
🟢 Best for: Apartment dwellers, small spaces, and indoor use.
📏 Size: Small.
⏳ Composting time: 2-3 months.
How they work: Red worms (often red wigglers) eat food scraps and turn them into rich worm castings, a supercharged organic fertilizer. The worms live in a ventilated container filled with bedding (like shredded newspaper) and organic waste.
✔️ Pros:
- Can be kept indoors.
- Produces high-quality compost quickly.
- No need to turn or aerate manually.
❌ Cons:
- Worms need specific conditions (not too hot or cold).
- Requires regular feeding and maintenance.
4. Bokashi Composting (Fermentation Method)
🟢 Best for: Small spaces, those who want to compost meat and dairy.
📏 Size: Small.
⏳ Composting time: 2-4 weeks.
How it works: Bokashi composting is an anaerobic process that ferments food scraps using a special bran inoculated with beneficial microbes. This system allows for composting items that traditional composting methods can’t handle.
✔️ Pros:
- Can compost dairy, meat, and oily foods.
- No odor when done correctly.
- Compact and suitable for indoor use.
❌ Cons:
- Requires purchase of Bokashi bran.
- The fermented waste must still be buried in soil or added to another composter to fully break down.
Countertop Composter
5. Electric Composters
🟢 Best for: Urban households, people with limited space, and those who want instant composting.
📏 Size: Small (countertop or standalone unit).
⏳ Composting time: 3-48 hours.
How they work: Electric composters use heat and aeration to rapidly break down food scraps into a fine, soil-like material. They dehydrate and grind waste, reducing its volume by up to 90%. While the result is not technically finished compost, it can be mixed with soil to decompose further.
✔️ Pros:
- Works quickly (compost in hours instead of months).
- No odors or pests.
- Compact and ideal for apartment living.
❌ Cons:
- Requires electricity to operate.
- More expensive than traditional composters.
- Does not produce fully matured compost, requiring additional breakdown in soil.
Open-Air Composter
6. Open-Air Compost Piles
🟢 Best for: Large properties and rural areas.
📏 Size: Large.
⏳ Composting time: 6-12 months.
How they work: Compost piles are simply layers of organic waste left to decompose naturally in the open air. Regular turning helps speed up the process.
✔️ Pros:
- No need for a special container.
- Can handle large amounts of waste.
❌ Cons:
- Can attract pests if not managed properly.
- Requires frequent turning to prevent odor and slow decomposition.
What to Put in Your Composter
For successful composting, balance greens (nitrogen-rich materials) and browns (carbon-rich materials).
✅ Compost-Friendly Items
Greens (Nitrogen-Rich) – “Wet” Materials
- Fruit and vegetable scraps 🍎🥕
- Coffee grounds and filters ☕
- Tea bags 🍵
- Grass clippings 🌿
- Eggshells 🥚
- Fresh plant trimmings 🌱
Coffee Grounds
Browns (Carbon-Rich) – “Dry” Materials
- Dry leaves 🍂
- Shredded newspaper 📰
- Cardboard (non-glossy) 📦
- Straw or hay 🌾
- Sawdust (from untreated wood) 🪵
- Paper towels (if not greasy) 🧻
What NOT to Put in a Composter
🚫 Avoid these items to prevent pests, odors, and slow decomposition:
❌ Meat, fish, and bones – These attract rodents and create odors.
❌ Dairy products – Causes bad smells and pest problems.
❌ Greasy/oily foods – Coats materials, slowing decomposition.
❌ Pet waste (dog/cat feces) – Can contain harmful bacteria.
❌ Treated wood or glossy paper – May contain harmful chemicals.
❌ Weeds with seeds – Can spread weeds into your garden.
❌ Diseased plants – Might introduce pathogens to your compost.
Tips for Success
🔄 Turn your compost regularly – Helps aerate and speed up decomposition (except for worm, Bokashi, and electric composting).
💧 Keep it moist but not soggy – Compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge.
🔗 Chop up large items – Smaller pieces break down faster.
📦 Store food scraps in a countertop bin – Makes it easy to collect compostable materials before adding them to your main bin.
🌱 Be patient! – Composting takes time, but the result is worth it!
Final Thoughts
Composting is an easy way to reduce waste and create a powerful natural fertilizer for your garden. Whether you choose a traditional bin, a worm composter, or a high-tech electric composter, the key is to find a method that works for your space and lifestyle.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating rich, organic compost that benefits both your plants and the planet.
🌱 Happy composting! 🌱
