Indoor Composting Course: Essential Guide

Ever thought about turning your kitchen scraps into garden gold but figured it’s a messy, outdoor-only job? Many folks do! The idea of composting indoors can seem a bit daunting, especially if you’re new to it. You might be picturing smelly bins and complicated processes. But what if I told you it’s actually pretty simple and can be done right in your home, without any fuss or odor? I’m Troy D Harn, and on TopChooser, we dig into making home projects easy. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your own indoor composting venture. Get ready to feel good about reducing waste and boosting your plants!

Your Indoor Composting Course: The Easy Way to Start

Welcome to your beginner’s guide to indoor composting! Many people think composting has to happen way out in the backyard, but that’s not the case at all. You can absolutely compost inside your home, and it’s much simpler than you might imagine. This course is designed to break down everything you need to know, from choosing the right system to what you can (and can’t!) toss in. We’ll cover the basics, the tools, the process, and even troubleshoot common hiccups. By the end, you’ll be a composting pro, ready to turn your food waste into nutrient-rich soil for your houseplants or balcony garden.

Why Compost Indoors? The Perks You Can’t Ignore

Let’s talk about why indoor composting is such a win. It’s not just about being eco-friendly, though that’s a huge part of it! Think of it as a dual-action benefit: you’re helping the planet by reducing landfill waste, and you’re creating fantastic fertilizer for your plants. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient. No more trips to the outdoor bin in the rain or snow!

• Reduces Waste: It’s estimated that food scraps make up a significant portion of household waste. Composting diverts this from landfills, where it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
• Creates Nutrient-Rich Fertilizer: The end product, compost, is like superfood for your plants. It adds essential nutrients, improves soil structure, and helps retain moisture.
• Saves Money: You’ll buy less potting soil and fertilizer for your plants.
• Minimizes Odor: Contrary to popular belief, properly managed indoor compost bins don’t smell bad. They should have an earthy scent.
• Convenience: Especially for apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor space, indoor composting is the perfect solution.
• Educational: It’s a great way to teach kids (or yourself!) about natural cycles and sustainability.

Types of Indoor Composting Systems: Finding Your Perfect Fit

When you talk about indoor composting, there are a few main stars of the show. Each has its own way of working, and the best one for you depends on your space, how much waste you produce, and your personal preference. We’ll explore these so you can pick what feels right.

1. Worm Composting (Vermicomposting)

This is probably the most popular method for indoor composting, and for good reason! It’s efficient, relatively fast, and uses special composting worms (like Red Wigglers, not earthworms from your garden!) to break down organic matter. It’s a complete system that creates worm castings, which are incredibly rich fertilizer.

How it works: You set up a bin with bedding material (like shredded newspaper or coconut coir). You then add your food scraps, and the worms get to work munching away. The worms process the waste, leaving behind nutrient-dense castings.

Ideal for: Small spaces, apartments, those who want a quick turnaround and a high-quality fertilizer. It’s also a fun way to engage with nature indoors.

Pros:

• Produces worm castings (vermicast), some of the best natural fertilizer.
• Relatively fast decomposition rate.
• Minimal odor when managed correctly.
• Compact system, suitable for small homes.

Cons:

• Requires specific types of worms.
• Can be sensitive to temperature.
• Some people are squeamish about worms.

2. Bokashi Composting

Bokashi is a bit different. It’s actually a form of fermentation, not traditional decomposition. It uses an anaerobic (oxygen-free) process with a sprinkle of Bokashi bran, which is inoculated with beneficial microbes. This method can handle a wider range of food scraps, including meat and dairy, which are typically avoided in other composting methods.

How it works: You place food scraps into an airtight bucket and sprinkle Bokashi bran over them. You keep adding layers until the bucket is full, then let it ferment for about two weeks. The result is a pickled mixture that then needs to be buried in soil to finish decomposing (this can be done in a large pot or outdoor garden). You also collect a liquid “tea” that can be diluted and used as fertilizer.

Ideal for: Those who want to compost meat and dairy, or those who want to pre-compost waste before adding it to another system or burying it.

Pros:

• Can compost meat, dairy, and oily foods.
• Comes with a nutrient-rich liquid (Bokashi tea) that can be used as fertilizer after dilution.
• Faster initial processing time compared to traditional methods.
• Airtight system helps prevent odors.

Cons:

• The fermented material needs to be buried or added to another compost system to fully decompose.
• Requires purchasing Bokashi bran.
• Can have a slightly pickled or sour smell during fermentation.

3. Electric Composter/Food Recycler

These are the high-tech options! Electric composters are countertop appliances that use heat and aeration to break down food scraps very quickly, often in just a matter of hours. They reduce the volume of waste significantly and produce a dry, nutrient-rich material that can be added to soil.

How it works: You add your food scraps to the appliance, close the lid, and press a button. The machine heats, grinds, and dries the waste. Some models can even operate quietly and with odor control filters.

Ideal for: Busy households, those who want the fastest possible solution, people who are very sensitive to any potential odors or composting processes, and those with a slightly higher budget.

Pros:

• Very fast processing time (hours, not weeks or months).
• Significantly reduces the volume of food waste.
• Can handle most food scraps, including cooked foods.
• Extremely convenient and easy to use.
• Generally odor-free.

Cons:

• High initial cost.
• Requires electricity to operate.
• The end product is dried and processed, not true “compost” in the traditional sense, but can be added to soil.
• Can be noisy depending on the model.

Getting Started: Essential Gear for Your Indoor Composting Course

No matter which system you choose, a few basic items will make your indoor composting journey smoother. Don’t worry, you don’t need to break the bank! Many things can be found around the house or purchased affordably.

For Worm Composting (Vermicomposting):

Worm Bin: You can buy a specialized worm bin, use a plastic storage tote with drilled holes, or even build one yourself. A good size is usually around 10-15 gallons.
Bedding Material: Shredded newspaper (black and white ink only), corrugated cardboard, coconut coir, or peat moss. This provides a home and food source for the worms.
Composting Worms: Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are the most common and best for this job. You usually buy them online or from local garden supply stores. Start with about 1 lb of worms for a standard bin.
Food Scraps: Your kitchen waste!
(Optional) Worm Bin Scraps Collector: A small container with a lid to collect scraps before adding them to the bin.
(Optional) Kitchen Countertop Scraps Bin: A small, lidded pail to collect scraps while you’re cooking.

For Bokashi Composting:

Bokashi Bin: This is a special airtight bucket with a spigot at the bottom to drain the liquid. You can buy kits or use two similar buckets, one inside the other, with one having holes drilled in the bottom.
Bokashi Bran: This is the key ingredient, containing the effective microorganisms (EM). You’ll need to purchase this.
Food Scraps: It handles almost all food, including meat and dairy.
(Optional) Small Countertop Scraps Bin: To collect scraps before transferring them to the Bokashi bin.

For Electric Composters:

The Appliance Itself: These are purchased units. Research different brands to find one that fits your needs and budget; many have good reviews for quiet operation and effectiveness.
Food Scraps: Most models handle a wide variety.

Pro Tip: Always start with a smaller setup. You can always expand or upgrade later if you find you love composting!

The Step-by-Step Indoor Composting Process

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. We’ll cover the most popular methods, worm composting and Bokashi, in detail.

How To Do Worm Composting (Vermicomposting) Step-by-Step

This is where the magic happens! It’s a living system, so be patient and observant.

1. Prepare Your Bin: If you’re using a DIY bin, drill several small drainage holes in the bottom and a few air holes around the top edges. If using a pre-made bin, check its ventilation.
2. Add Bedding: Moisten your bedding material (shredded newspaper, coco coir) until it’s damp like a wrung-out sponge. It should not be dripping wet. Fill your bin about 2/3 full with this dampened bedding.
3. Introduce the Worms: Gently place your composting worms on top of the bedding. Leave them for about 15-30 minutes. They will naturally burrow down into the bedding to escape the light.
4. Feed Your Worms: After a day or two, you can start feeding. Dig a small hole or a trench in one corner of the bin and bury a small amount of food scraps. A good starting point is about half a pound of food scraps per pound of worms per day. Chop up larger scraps into smaller pieces to help them decompose faster. Don’t overfeed!
5. Maintain the Bin:
   • Keep the bin moist but not waterlogged. If it’s too dry, worms can’t breathe and won’t process effectively. Mist with water as needed.
   • Maintain a temperature between 55-77°F (13-25°C) for optimal worm activity.
   • Avoid adding too much of any one thing at once. Vary their diet!
   • Bury food scraps in different spots each time to encourage the worms to move around.
6. Harvest Your Compost: After 2-4 months (depending on how actively you feed and bin size), you’ll see a significant amount of dark, crumbly material – worm castings! To harvest, you can either:
   • Migration Method: Stop feeding one side of the bin for a week or two. Then, place fresh bedding and food scraps on the other side. The worms will migrate to the fresh food, leaving the castings behind.
   • Light Method: Dump the contents onto a tarp or plastic sheet under bright light. The worms will burrow down to avoid the light. Scrape away the top layer of castings, and repeat until you reach the worms. Then, return worms and some compost to the clean bin for another grow-out cycle.

What You Can Compost with Worms:

Fruit and vegetable scraps (peels, cores, rinds)
Coffee grounds and tea bags (remove staples and synthetic bags)
Crushed eggshells (good for grit)
Plain pasta and bread (in moderation)
Cardboard and paper scraps (uncoated)

What to AVOID Composting with Worms:

Meat, fish, and bones (attract pests, smell bad)
Dairy products (attract pests, smell bad)
Oily foods and grease
Spicy foods
Citrus in large quantities (can make the bin too acidic)
Onion skins in large quantities
Diseased plant material
Pet waste (dog or cat feces)

How To Do Bokashi Composting Step-by-Step

Bokashi is more about microbial fermentation. It’s a two-stage process.

1. Gather Materials: You’ll need your Bokashi bin, Bokashi bran, and your food scraps.
2. Add Food Scraps: Place your food scraps into the Bokashi bin. It’s best to chop larger items into smaller pieces. You can add meat, dairy, and oily foods with Bokashi.
3. Sprinkle with Bran: Sprinkle a liberal amount of Bokashi bran over the food scraps, ensuring it lightly coats everything. This is crucial for the fermentation process.
4. Compact and Seal: Press down on the scraps to remove as much air as possible. Seal the lid tightly.
5. Drain the Liquid: Over the next few weeks, a liquid (Bokashi tea) will collect at the bottom. Drain this every few days by opening the spigot. Dilute this liquid with water (1:100 ratio) and use it as a potent plant fertilizer. If you don’t have a spigot, you’ll need to lift the inner bucket periodically to drain.
6. Fill and Ferment: Continue adding scraps, sprinkling bran, and compacting until the bin is full. Once full, let it sit for another 2 weeks to fully ferment. The material will look pickled and might have a sweet, yeasty smell.
7. Final Decomposition: The fermented matter still needs to fully break down. You have a few options:
   • Bury it in a garden bed or large planter.
   • Add it to an outdoor compost pile.
   • Add it to a worm bin (in moderation, and after it has cooled down).

   It will continue to decompose and become rich soil within a few weeks.

What You Can Compost with Bokashi:

All fruit and vegetable scraps
Meat, fish, and bones
Dairy products
Cooked foods and leftovers
Coffee grounds and tea bags
Eggshells
Oily foods

What to AVOID Composting with Bokashi:

Inorganic materials (plastics, metals, glass)
Excessive liquids (like soups that aren’t solid food)
Diseased plant material (though less critical than other methods)
Large woody items that won’t fit easily

Understanding the “Greens” and “Browns” (Even Indoors!)

Even though we’re composting indoors, the principle of balancing “greens” (nitrogen-rich) and “browns” (carbon-rich) still applies, especially for worm composting. This balance is key to preventing odors and ensuring your compost breaks down efficiently.

In worm composting, your food scraps are generally your “greens.” Your bedding material (shredded paper, cardboard) acts as your “browns.” Aim for a roughly 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of bedding (browns) to food scraps (greens) by volume when you set up the bin. As you add food scraps, continue to layer them with fresh bedding when needed.

For Bokashi, the bran acts as both a carbon source and a microbial inoculant, so you don’t need to worry as much about balancing greens and browns in the same traditional sense. However, chopping up greens and adding some shredded paper can still help with air pockets.

Troubleshooting Common Indoor Composting Problems

Even with the simplest systems, things can sometimes go a bit sideways. Don’t get discouraged! Here are some common issues and how to fix them.

1. Odors

Worm Bin: This is usually a sign of overfeeding, lack of aeration, or a bin that’s too wet.

• Fix: Stop feeding for a week or two. Gently aerate the bin by fluffing the bedding. Ensure it’s not too wet; add more dry bedding if needed. Make sure you are burying food scraps and not leaving them on top.

Bokashi Bin: A strong, foul odor (beyond a yeasty/sour scent) can mean the seal isn’t good, or you might have added something that shouldn’t have gone in.

• Fix: Check the lid seal. Ensure you are using enough Bokashi bran with each layer. If it’s truly foul, you may need to discard the batch and start over, ensuring proper sealing and bran application.

2. Pests (Fruit Flies, Gnats)

Worm Bin: Usually attracted to exposed food scraps.

• Fix: Make sure food scraps are fully buried under the bedding. If you see them, you can try covering the bin with a light-colored cloth for a few days, as they dislike bright light. A shallow dish of apple cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap placed near the bin can also trap them.

Bokashi Bin: Less common due to the sealed nature, but can happen if the lid isn’t tight.

• Fix: Ensure the lid is sealed tightly. Discard any visibly infested material.

3. Worms Trying to Escape

Worm Bin: This is usually a sign that conditions aren’t right. It could be too wet, too dry, too hot, too cold, too acidic (too many citrus peels), or they might not have enough to eat.

• Fix: Check your moisture levels, temperature, and pH. Adjust as needed by adding dry bedding (if too wet/acidic) or a little water (if too dry). Ensure you’re not overfeeding.

4. Slow Decomposition

Worm Bin: Could be due to a low worm population, cold temperatures, or the material being too dry/large.

• Fix: Be patient, especially if the bin is new. Ensure worms are active (check temperature and moisture). Chop food scraps smaller. If the bin is consistently cold, move it to a warmer spot.

Bokashi: If the fermented material isn’t breaking down after burying, it might not have been fermented long enough or the soil conditions aren’t right.

• Fix: Bury in a location with some moisture and warmth. Ensure you let it ferment for the full two weeks.

Using Your Finished Compost

Once you’ve successfully created your indoor compost (either worm castings or Bokashi-fermented material that has then decomposed), it’s time to put it to work! Your plants will thank you.

Worm Castings: These are a fine, earthy-smelling material. You can mix them directly into potting soil (about 10-20% castings to soil) for houseplants, seedlings, or vegetables. You can also create a “compost tea” by steeping castings in water for a day or two, which is a fantastic liquid fertilizer for your plants.

Bokashi Fermented Material: After it has decomposed further in soil, it’s a rich addition to your garden or planters. It improves soil structure and fertility. The diluted Bokashi tea is also excellent for feeding plants, providing them with nutrients and beneficial microbes. Remember to dilute it correctly – too strong and you could harm your plants!

Electric Composter Output: The dried, processed material can be mixed into soil or used as a soil amendment. It’s less biologically active than composted material but still adds organic matter.

Sustainability Beyond Composting

Indoor composting is a fantastic step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s a simple, practical way to reduce your household waste, and it gives you a tangible reward in the form of healthy soil for your plants. Remember that composting is part of a larger picture of reducing, reusing, and recycling. By being mindful of your consumption and waste, you’re making a real difference.

For more information on reducing waste and sustainable living, check out resources from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They offer tons of great tips for going green at home.

Table: What Indoor Composting Method is Right for You?

Feature	Worm Composting (Vermicomposting)	Bokashi Composting	Electric Composter
Process	Decomposition by worms	Anaerobic fermentation by microbes	Heat and aeration
Speed	Medium (a few months to harvest)	Fast initial processing (2-4 weeks), then requires final decomposition	Very fast (hours)
What it Handles	Most food scraps (no meat/dairy)	Almost all food scraps (including meat/dairy)	Most food scraps
End Product	Worm castings (rich fertilizer)	Fermented material + liquid fertilizer (needs further decomposition)	Dried food material (soil amendment)
Odor Potential	Low, if managed correctly; earthy smell	Slightly sour/yeasty; minimal if sealed	Very low; often has odor filters
Cost	Low to medium (bin, worms)	Medium (requires ongoing bran purchase)	High (initial appliance cost)
Space Needed	Small to medium bin	Small bin, plus space for final decomposition	Countertop appliance

Choosing the right method is like picking the best tool for a job. Consider your lifestyle, space, and what you want to get out of the process. Worms are fantastic for hands-on types who want nutrient-dense fertilizer. Bokashi is great for those who want to tackle all food waste and are okay with a two-step process. Electric composters are for the ultimate convenience seekers.

Remember, the goal is to make composting fit into your life, not the other way around. Start simple, be patient, and enjoy the journey of turning waste into wonder!

Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Composting

Conclusion: Your Composting Journey Starts Now!

There you have it – your essential guide to indoor composting! We’ve covered why it’s a smart choice, the different ways you can do it within your home, the tools you’ll need, and how to get each system up and running. We also tackled common problems and how to use your finished compost.

Remember, the most important thing is to pick a method that feels manageable and exciting for you. Whether it’s the wiggly wonders of vermicomposting, the fermented power of Bokashi, or the speed of an electric composter, you’re about to embark on a rewarding journey. You’ll be reducing waste, creating valuable fertilizer, and connecting with nature, all from the comfort of your home.

Don’t be afraid to start small. Observe your system, learn as you go, and enjoy the process of creating something amazing from what you might have otherwise thrown away. Happy composting!