Key Takeaways
- Composting reduces household waste by 40-60%
- Apartment composting works — you just need the right container
- Ready-to-use compost in 45-60 days with proper maintenance
What You Need
- Container: 20L bucket with lid (₹200-300) or a dedicated compost bin (₹500-1,500)
- Dry material: Shredded newspaper, dried leaves, or coconut coir
- A drill or nail to make aeration holes
- A small kitchen caddy for daily collection
Step 1: Prepare Your Container
Drill 15-20 small holes (5mm) in the bottom and sides of your bucket for airflow. Place the bucket on a tray to catch any liquid (this liquid is excellent fertiliser when diluted 10:1 with water).
Step 2: Create the Base Layer
Add a 3-inch layer of dry material — shredded newspaper, dried leaves, or coconut coir. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and provides carbon balance.
Step 3: Add Kitchen Waste Daily
Collect vegetable peels, fruit scraps, tea leaves, coffee grounds, and eggshells in your kitchen caddy. Add to the compost bin daily and cover with a thin layer of dry material each time.
Step 4: What NOT to Compost
- Meat, fish, or dairy (attracts pests)
- Oily or cooked food
- Diseased plant material
- Pet waste
- Plastic, glass, or metal (obviously)
Step 5: Maintain the Balance
The golden ratio is 3:1 — three parts dry (brown) material to one part wet (green) kitchen waste. If it smells bad, add more dry material. If it is too dry and not decomposing, add a splash of water.
Step 6: Turn Weekly
Use a stick or small garden fork to mix the contents once a week. This adds oxygen and speeds up decomposition. It should smell earthy, not rotten.
Step 7: Harvest in 45-60 Days
When the bottom layer turns dark, crumbly, and smells like forest soil, your compost is ready. Sift out any large pieces (throw them back in) and use the finished compost for your plants.
Step 8: Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bad smell | Too wet / not enough air | Add dry material, turn more often |
| Fruit flies | Exposed food scraps | Always cover with dry material |
| Too slow | Too dry or too cold | Add water, move to warmer spot |
| Ants | Too dry | Moisten and turn |