3 Common Ways to Compost
You know food waste is a big problem and now you're looking for a solution, right? There's a lot of information out there so here are 3 common ways to help you start your composting journey!
1. DIY Composting (aka backyard composting)
There are several ways to compost in your backyard. You can get a tumbler, a tower, an underground unit, or make a pile in your yard. Some of the benefits of composting yourself are that you'll learn how to compost, you'll know exactly what went into your compost, and it'll be low cost.
Things you'll want to consider are space and time. Do you have space in your yard? Will the container have the space to handle what your household produces? Do you have the time to turn your compost? Knowing the basics will help prevent you from creating a gross, stinky mess!
Additional tips: (1) Cut up anything you put into your composter into smaller pieces to help it breakdown faster. (2) Make sure you have enough carbon (brown leaves, paper, etc.) to mix with your food scraps. (3) It can take up to 2 years to get finished compost so let patience be part of the process!
COST estimate: $0-$100
2. Countertop composting machine
This option is pretty new. Most of these new machines look sleek and sit on your countertop so you can dump your food scraps in and run it daily. Another bonus is having a constant supply of (immature) compost. This is a great option if you don't have outdoor space to compost on your own or a local composting service.
A few things to consider - these machines obviously take up space on your countertop. You'll also need to put in the "right ratio". For example, if you put all fruit in the machine, it'll clog the machine so you'll want to learn some composting basics. Also, these machines require charcoal filters that need regular replacement and "microbe" tabs. (The charcoal filters help minimize the odors from the machine venting as it dries out the food scraps.)
Additional tips: (1) The "compost" this produces isn't really finished compost so it's recommended for outdoor use. (Why? Adding moisture to the "compost" might produce odors and attract gnats.) (2) On that note, consider how much outdoor space you have to put the "compost". Afterall, if you put it in the trash, you might as well not compost it at all. (3) This is new technology. According to online forums, these machines do break down so having a warranty may be helpful.
COST estimate: $350-$500 initial cost plus $10-$20/month subscription
3. Composting Service
This is an easy and clean way to compost. You sign up, put your food scraps in a bucket, and the service does the rest of the work. This method saves you time and work because you don't need to cut any of the food scraps into smaller pieces and you don't need to mix the "right" ratio of materials. You literally just take whatever is compostable and put it in your bucket.
A few other points: (1) Compost services can usually accept more items than the other 2 methods. (2) A composting service prevents having to deal with odors and pests. (3) Most composting services utilize 5 gallon bins taking up less than 1 square foot of floor space. (4) Some composting services have perks, like giving you finished compost each year for your garden or plants. (5) Most composting services are local, small businesses so you're supporting your own community!
Composting services are subscription-based and provide you convenience so you can save the planet while saving your time to do other important things in your life!
COST: $15-$25/month
So how do you choose?
Think about your lifestyle and which way would be the best fit for you. And remember that no matter which way you choose, you're on your way to reducing your waste footprint and helping the environment!