Aerobic Composting

This method uses oxygen to break down organic matter into compost. Aerobic composting can be done indoors or outdoors.

  1. 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. 
  2. 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! 
  3. 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.
  4. Turn your compost bin once a month. Turning your compost speeds up aeration, which is essential for microorganisms to survive. 
  5. Maintain your proper brown: green ratio and wait for the perfect soil amendment to come to life! 
  6. Once your compost is mainly brown, smells earthy, and has a crumbly, soil-like texture, it is ready!

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