I Must Compost!

Several posts ago I wrote about my strong desire to compost in my apartment, and listed a few options for how I might do that. I decided to go with the plastic garbage can route, mainly because it seemed like an easy, cheap and mobile way to compost on my balcony.

I started out by buying a small garbage can with a locking lid. Here’s the exact container I bought. With the help of my husband, we drilled holes throughout the container, on the bottom and sides. The holes are small, but big enough to let air in and liquid out.

Drilling holes into the bottom of the container

Drilling holes into the sides

I then started building the bin by creating layers of “browns” (carbon) and “greens” (nitrogen). It’s important to have a balance between these materials for the composting process to occur properly. I began by putting a layer of shredded newspaper in the bottom of the bin. Newspaper will be serving as the main brown material in my compost bin.

Shredded newspaper at the bottom of the bin

Next, I added my first layer of greens to the bin. I had been saving kitchen scraps in freezer bags for weeks, so I had a good supply of material ready to go. It’s truly amazing to see how much kitchen waste, in size and weight, comes from organic materials.Yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 24 percent of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream (US EPA). Since I’ve started collecting it, the frequency that we need to take out the garbage has drastically reduced. And, the smell has drastically improved!

Layer of kitchen scraps added to the bin

I continued layering, with the next layer of browns largely consisting of dried grass, leaves and twigs from my flower pots on the balcony. It was around this time that I cut off the tip of my finger, but I won’t get into that. I’ll just say to ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES when composting or gardening! Days later, I’m still having a hard time typing, among other things that I need my finger for. (I just hope the tip went in the compost bin.) I know, gross!

Layer of dried plants and grass

One more layer of greens…

More greens

Then, a final layer of browns (always having browns on top is a good idea) and some water. Moisture is very important to composting. The material should always be the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.

Final layer of browns and some added water

I clamped on the lid (yes, I was doing all of this one-handed) and picked a spot for the bin to stay on the balcony. After noticing some water come out of the bottom, I realized it should have a tray under it. I think a huge flower pot tray should do the trick.

Now the question is, will this work on a balcony? Will the critters find their way into it and create composting magic? Stay tuned to find out; I’ll write an update later this spring.