Compost From Home: The Do’s and Don’ts

Hi Treeps,

We’re here for your composting needs. Our waste expert Kenny Derieg is back with the Do’s and Don’ts of composting.

If you haven’t yet, check out Kompost Kenny’s How-to lesson and his Compost 101 class. Then, use these tips to step up your scrap game even more!

Take it away, Kenny:

Do:

• Figure out the best method for your composting desires — some systems are better than others based on your access to open space (and desire to get your hands dirty). Worms are great for apartments; backyard bins are even better if you have the outdoor space; find a community compost hub near you (LA Compost) to bring your scraps if you don’t want to process your compost at home; or request a green bin from your waste hauler and they will process your scraps for you.
• Freeze your food scraps when storing them inside — it prevents odors from stinking up the kitchen and the thawing process breaks down the cell walls which aids the decomposition process.
• Compost moldy items. It is perfectly fine to place moldy/stale/slimy produce in the compost, it will break down just the same as everything else. Just don’t touch the mold or breathe it in when placing moldy items in the compost.
• Use finished compost to support the growth of your vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, and many types of indoor potted plants.

Don’t:

• Place “compostable” products (i.e. bioplastics or molded-paperboard) in your home or community compost bin. They are meant for industrial facilities but check with your waste hauler to see if they accept these products in the organic bin.
• Keep stickers on fruits and vegetables when placing in the compost — they do not break down and will add extra work when sifting out the finished compost. They are petroleum-based and don’t break down easily.
• Place meats, cheeses, and other dairy products in your compost bin. Although they do break down, they can create excess odors that can attract unwanted pests to your compost.
• Compost perfectly good food. Find a person or animal who will enjoy the food before resorting to the compost bin. Composting should be the final option for edible food and should only be done if it can’t or won’t be consumed by somebody.

Los Angeles-based TreePeople is the region’s largest environmental movement, whose mission is to inspire, engage and support people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment. Visit us at treepeople.org and learn how you can join our cause.