Introduction
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. However, it can seem time-consuming. The good news is that with a few simple tips, you can compost more efficiently while keeping your home clean. Here’s my guide to composting more while I clean.
Have Multiple Compost Bins
Having multiple compost bins allows me to separate materials and compost more efficiently. Here’s how I use multiple bins:
- Active bin – This is where I add new materials like food scraps and yard waste. The active decomposition happens here.
- Maturing bin – Once my active bin is full, I transfer the contents to a second bin to finish decomposing.
- Finished bin – Fully decomposed compost goes here to use in my garden.
Having three bins ensures there’s always room for more compostables. It also lets each batch thoroughly break down.
Keep Compost Bins Accessible
I keep a compost bin under every sink in my kitchen and bathrooms. This makes it so easy to compost while I cook or clean. I also have a bin right next to my back door to catch yard waste.
Making composting convenient means I’m more likely to use it routinely. I hardly have to go out of my way.
Empty Compost Bins Frequently
As part of my cleaning routine, I empty all my indoor compost bins into my outdoor active bin. This prevents odors or fruit flies from developing indoors.
I take my compost bins outside:
- After cooking meals
- When I notice they’re getting full
- At least every 2-3 days
Regularly dumping my indoor bins keeps my house clean and adds more materials to my outdoor compost.
Keep a Bucket in My Kitchen
I keep a 5-gallon bucket in my kitchen to collect food scraps while cooking. When it’s full, I empty it into my compost bin.
The bucket has a vented lid that contains odors. Using this lets me compost large amounts of scraps at once instead of taking many small trips to the compost bin.
Compost Bulky Items
Some compostable items, like corn cobs, avocado pits, and celery stalks, won’t break down well in a normal compost bin. Whenever I have these bulky food wastes, I stockpile them in a separate container.
Once a month, I take bulky items outside and chop or crush them before adding to my active compost bin. This extra step helps them decompose.
Schedule a Weekly Compost Chore
I devote time each week to tend my compost bins. During this, I:
- Turn and aerate my active bin
- Check moisture levels
- Break up large pieces
- Transfer finished compost to my garden
Regular maintenance helps my compost break down faster so I can compost more.
Conclusion
Composting while I clean only takes a little extra planning. Following these tips, I’m able to divert much more food waste and yard debris into useful compost. My home stays clean and odor-free in the process. With multiple bins and convenient access, composting feels seamless rather than like another chore. Try these tips to make composting an easy habit!
