The carrots are peeled, the onions chopped, and you’re ready to get cooking. Now you just have to figure out what to do with your cutting board full of scraps. If your first impulse is to head to the trashcan, you’re missing out on one of the easiest, most natural ways to give back to the planet: composting.
Compost is the natural byproduct of decomposing plants. In nature, when plant matter like dead leaves or fruit falls to the ground, organisms within the soil, including fungi, bacteria, and worms, consume and convert it into nutrient-dense organic material that fertilizes the existing soil underneath.
Composting at home spares your scraps from rotting away in greenhouse gas-producing landfills, and allows you to intentionally and directly return their beneficial nutrients back to the soil. Whether you have a big backyard or a tiny apartment, setting up a compost bin is one of the easiest ways to reduce household waste and support a healthier environment.
What Is Composting?
Composting is the process of recycling organic waste into natural fertilizer.
Common compostable items include:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds and tea bags
- Grass clippings
- Dry leaves and twigs
- Paper products like brown paper bags
These items break down into nutrient-rich organic material that can be added to soil to facilitate plant growth. By composting them instead of throwing them in the trash, you reduce landfill waste and enrich the soil composition in your immediate surroundings.
How to Compost:
1. Know the Difference Between “Greens” and “Browns”
Healthy compost requires the correct balance of nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials. Understanding how to mix the two is essential for creating a nourishing, supportive fertilizer for your soil.
Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich)
These contain moisture and nitrogen:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Tea bags
- Grass clippings
- Plant trimmings
Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich)
These are dry materials that add carbon:
- Dry leaves
- Straw
- Twigs
- Wood chips
- Brown paper products
A healthy compost pile should maintain a balanced mix of greens and browns. This balance helps regulate pH levels, speeds decomposition, and prevents odors or pests.
These composting best practices are widely recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
2. Choose the Right Compost Bin
Starting composting doesn’t require expensive equipment. Many people use two simple bins:
Kitchen compost bin
- Small container for collecting food scraps
- Stores daily “green” materials
Outdoor compost bin
- Larger container for combining greens and browns
- Allows materials to decompose over time
Outdoor compost bins can be:
- Open piles
- Closed bins
- Rotating tumblers
For best results, place your compost bin in a shaded outdoor area.
Composting Without a Backyard
No yard? No problem. Many people compost even when living in apartments.
Here are a few easy options:
1. Green Bin Programs
Many cities offer curbside organic waste collection. Check with your local waste management provider to see if food scraps can be placed in your green waste bin.
2. Community Gardens
Local community gardens often maintain compost piles and welcome food scrap donations.
3. Neighbor Composting
If a neighbor has a garden compost system, they may happily accept kitchen scraps.
Composting Do’s and Don’ts
1. Choose the correct items.
Not all food waste should go into a compost bin as some can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.

2. Maintain Your Compost Pile
Proper compost maintenance helps organic materials break down faster.
Key composting tips:
Monitor temperative
A healthy compost pile typically reaches 80–90°F, which helps microorganisms break down materials efficiently.
Turn the pile regularly
Mixing or “turning” the compost helps distribute moisture and oxygen evenely.
Adjust the material balance
If your compost smells unpleasant, add more brown materials like leaves or paper to restore balance.
Many universities and sustainability programs, including resources like this one from the University of California, Santa Barbara, provide detailed compost maintenance guidance.
3. Do your best to Reduce Food Waste Before Composting
Composting is a great solution—but the best way to reduce environmental impact is to waste less food in the first place. One way to do that is by using the whole fruit or vegetable when cooking.
Many parts we often discard—like stems, peels, and leafy tops—are actually packed with fiber and nutrients. If you need some inspiration, the recipes below can help.
Recipes That Help Reduce Food Waste
Food saver tip: Throw the **whole strawberry—including the tops—**into your smoothie.
Food saver tip: Keep the carrot peels on for extra fiber and antioxidants.
Food saver tip: Instead of throwing away carrot tops, use them in pesto. Simply substitute carrot greens for parsley—you won’t taste the difference.
Why Composting Matters
Composting helps:
- Reduce landfill waste
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions
- Improve soil quality
- Support healthier gardens and plants
No matter where you live, there’s usually a simple way to compost food scraps or reduce food waste. Start small, build the habit, and take pleasure in turning your kitchen scraps into something deeply beneficial for the planet.