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Composting at Home: A Beginner’s Guide to Reducing Food Waste

Sherene Chou

April 1, 2026

author.sherene.chou@capitalbrands.com

Sherene Chou

Sherene is a culinary-trained Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for nutribullet focused on making delicious plant-based eats sustainable and accessible for all. She believes that food cultures and traditions should be celebrated and incorporated as part of living a happy and healthy life. When she’s not learning about a new ingredient or food at her local farmers market, you can find Sherene teaching food justice and culinary nutrition to health professionals nationwide.

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:

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:

Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich)
These are dry materials that add carbon:

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

Outdoor compost bin

Outdoor compost bins can be:

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. 

Compost-Friendly Foods

Avoid Composting

These items 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

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Food saver tip: Throw the **whole strawberry—including the tops—**into your smoothie.

Immunity Boost Smoothie

Food saver tip: Keep the carrot peels on for extra fiber and antioxidants.

Spinach Avocado Pesto

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:

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.

Get inspired with these featured favorites.

Super Blue Smoothie
RECIPE

Super Blue Smoothie

Is there such a thing as a perfect smoothie? This sweet medley certainly makes a strong case. With a classic combination of blueberries, banana, and spinach, this superstar smoothie provides a powerful nutrient boost!

Clock icon representing preparation time 5 mins
Chef hat icon representing cooking time Easy
Fire icon representing calories or energy 310 cal
Essential Green Smoothie
RECIPE

Essential Green Smoothie

Consider this blend the little black dress of nutribullet smoothies: it never goes out of style. To help keep your energy stable throughout the day, aim to balance your meals and snacks with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber-filled carbs – like this combo of Greek yogurt, peanut butter, fruit, and veggies. There’s a reason this one is always on-trend.

Clock icon representing preparation time 5 mins
Chef hat icon representing cooking time Easy
Fire icon representing calories or energy 320 cal
Good Morning Green Smoothie
RECIPE

Good Morning Green Smoothie

Start your day on a high note with this nutritiously cheerful blend of greens, mango, banana, and chia seeds.  

Clock icon representing preparation time 5 mins
Chef hat icon representing cooking time Easy
Fire icon representing calories or energy 240 cal