Placing empty bottles and old newspapers into the recycling bin is an automatic reflex for many people. But somewhat of an air of mystery still remains around the act of composting. Frequently asked questions include: Will saving food scraps make my house or yard smell? (No, as long as you manage it properly.) What exactly can be composted? (Nearly anything that grows.)
While composting is not quite as easy as tossing a soda can into a recycling bin, it’s not hard to learn — and the benefits to the environment are numerous. CalRecycle’s website provides a good introduction to home composting.
If you don’t want to compost at home, check out our FREE Residential Food Waste Program.
Get more information on how to compost with these resources:
Better Homes and Gardens and The Kitchn both offer great starter guides with lots of photos.
Living in tight quarters poses unique challenges for those who want to compost, but a worm composting bin is a great alternative that you can keep under the kitchen sink. Find out more on our worm composting page. Another alternative to a home compost bin is bokashi composting.
Look no further than Can I Compost This? for a quick visual reference guide to compostable items.
Don’t put bioplastics or compostable plastics in your backyard pile. They will not fully break down in your home compost. They don’t belong in the recycling, either. Put them in your garbage bin.
And a few more tips:
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