The best way to compost in an apartment is with vermicomposting (that is, letting worms break down your waste). We promise you won’t have a mass exodus of creepy crawlers parading through your pad.
Step 1: Choose your compost bin.
Drill holes into a plastic container with a lid. These act as air holes for the worms.
Step 2: Order the worms.
Not just any worms will do — only red worms are suitable for compost. Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm is a popular destination for vermicomposters looking for high-quality squiggly boys.
Step 3: Lay down the bedding.
You can purchase bedding for vermicomposting, or you can use cut up pieces of cardboard and newspaper. Whichever you choose, lay it out in an even layer so it covers the bottom of the container. Get the bedding slightly damp so that it’s wet to the touch but not sopping.
Step 4: Add the worms.
Time to add the boys! Empty your worms into the container, and cover them with more slightly damp bedding, newspaper, or cardboard. Worms don’t like light and will probably head for cover under their bedding.
Step 5: Add food scraps.
Slowly begin adding food scraps. Start with a few handfuls. If the worms eat it all, add more. If some of the scraps rot, remove them from the bin and feed the worms less. Top the scraps with more damp newspaper, then pop the lid on your worm bin and store it in a dry, dark place.
Step 6: Keep calm and compost on.
Keep adding kitchen scraps to your bin as they accumulate, but make sure there’s never more than 1/2 inch of scraps in any one spot. Always add a few browns in with your greens to keep moisture down. There’s no need to turn your vermicompost — the worms mix it enough on their own.