Aerobic Composting
This method uses oxygen to break down organic matter into compost. Aerobic composting can be done indoors or outdoors.
- Choose your bin: Start with a well-ventilated bin that can hold at least 3 times the volume of your estimated food waste.
- This doesn’t have to be an expensive purchase - you can use anything from a trash can to wood pallets! Be sure to poke holes in any solid materials.
- Start collecting brown and green materials, aiming for a 2:1 ratio of brown to green.
- Brown materials: Includes dry plants and woody materials (i.e. cardboard, dried leaves, sticks, etc.)
- Green materials: Includes food scraps and newer plants that still have some green (i.e. fruit/vegetable scraps, egg shells, grass clippings, etc.)
- Be sure NOT to add any dairy, meat, grease, or bones to your compost!
- Water your compost bin and continue this once a week. Moisture is required to begin and maintain a healthy microbial process.
- The recommended moisture content for compost is 40-60%, meaning your compost should feel similar to a wet sponge.
- Turn your compost bin once a month. Turning your compost speeds up aeration, which is essential for microorganisms to survive.
- Maintain your proper brown: green ratio and wait for the perfect soil amendment to come to life!
- Once your compost is mainly brown, smells earthy, and has a crumbly, soil-like texture, it is ready!