Think composting is only for people with big yards? Think again. You can make compost right in your apartment, balcony, or kitchen — no outdoor space required. All you need is a small container, food scraps, and a little time.
In this article, you’ll learn how to create nutrient-rich compost at home, even in tight spaces, using simple materials you already have.
Why Compost Indoors?
- Reduces food waste
- Creates free organic fertilizer
- Improves your plant’s health
- Saves money on soil and amendments
- Eco-friendly: cuts down on landfill waste and methane emissions
And yes — it can be done without bad smells or bugs, if done correctly.
What You’ll Need to Start Composting Indoors
- A container with a lid (bucket, plastic bin, large jar, or old paint can)
- Food scraps (kitchen waste like fruit peels, veggie ends, etc.)
- Dry material (paper, cardboard, dry leaves)
- Optional: Drill (for air holes), compost starter, or red worms
You can DIY a small compost bin for free with household materials.
Step 1: Choose the Right Container
Your compost bin can be small — even 5–10 liters is enough.
Good container ideas:
- Ice cream buckets with lids
- Plastic storage boxes
- Old trash bins
- 2-liter bottles cut and modified
If possible, drill or poke small holes on the sides and bottom for air circulation. If not, stir your compost more frequently to add oxygen.
Step 2: Add the Right Ingredients (Balance Green and Brown)
“Green” materials (wet and nitrogen-rich):
- Fruit and veggie scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Tea bags (no plastic mesh)
- Crushed eggshells
“Brown” materials (dry and carbon-rich):
- Shredded newspaper or cardboard
- Dry leaves
- Sawdust (untreated wood)
- Used paper napkins
The ideal ratio is 2 parts brown to 1 part green. Too much “green” = smell. Too much “brown” = slow breakdown.
Step 3: Layer Your Materials
Each time you add kitchen scraps (greens):
- Cover with a layer of dry material (browns)
- Mix gently
- Keep the lid on when not mixing
This controls smell and helps the compost break down evenly.
Step 4: Stir or Shake Weekly
Aerating your compost helps speed up decomposition and prevents rot.
- Use a spoon, stick, or gloved hand to mix
- Or shake a small container with the lid closed
- Do this once or twice a week
No need for perfection — just keep things moving.
Step 5: Monitor Moisture and Smell
Compost should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge.
Too wet? Add more dry material (paper, leaves).
Too dry? Add a few drops of water or more food scraps.
If it smells bad (like rot or ammonia), it’s either too wet or too much green material. Add browns and stir.
Step 6: Let It Break Down
With weekly mixing and good balance, compost is ready in 4–8 weeks.
You’ll know it’s done when:
- It looks dark and crumbly
- It smells earthy (not like food)
- No big chunks remain
You can sift out large pieces and return them to the bin.
What NOT to Compost Indoors
❌ Meat, fish, or dairy (attracts pests and smells)
❌ Oily or fried foods
❌ Plastics or coated papers
❌ Pet waste
❌ Diseased plants
Stick to raw plant-based kitchen scraps and paper products.
Optional: Try Worm Composting (Vermicomposting)
If you want to compost faster and create super compost, consider adding red wiggler worms to a small worm bin.
Benefits:
- Faster breakdown
- Rich worm castings
- No odor if managed properly
You can build a small worm bin using two plastic bins, newspaper bedding, and worms — even under your kitchen sink.
How to Use Your Finished Compost
Use your DIY compost to:
- Top off pots and containers
- Mix with poor soil to improve structure
- Fertilize herbs, veggies, or flowers
- Start seeds or transplants
Even a few handfuls of homemade compost can recharge tired soil and help your plants thrive.
Final Thoughts
Composting isn’t just for gardeners with yards — you can do it on a balcony, under a sink, or right next to your trash can. With just a few scraps, some paper, and a small container, you can turn waste into soil gold — all while saving money and helping the planet.
Small space, small bin, big impact.