How to Make Compost at Home Using Kitchen Waste?

To be able to live a sustainable lifestyle, you should recycle the waste from kitchen and turn it into black gold.

Instead of dumping leftovers to landfills, decomposing them can effectively contribute to enrich your backyard plants.

Decomposed material is filled with essential nutrients that promote root growth, stem formation and increased yield.

If you are new to composting or have tried it but encountered difficulties, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process.

From setting up a compost bin to troubleshooting common issues, you will learn everything needed to create high-quality compost at home.

Setting Up Your Compost Bin

Before you begin composting, you need to select an appropriate compost bin. There are different types of compost bins, each with its own advantages.

Types of Compost Bins

1. Terracotta Compost Bins – These bins are excellent for composting as they allow for natural aeration and moisture regulation. They typically consist of three stacked containers with holes for airflow. As each container fills up, it is rotated to the bottom, allowing the waste inside to break down further.
2. Plastic Compost Bins or Buckets – If a terracotta bin is not available, you can use a plastic bucket with small holes drilled into the sides for ventilation. Ensure the bucket is at least one foot deep, as deeper containers help retain heat, which speeds up decomposition.
3. Wooden Compost Bins – These are usually larger and suitable for outdoor composting. They allow for proper aeration and can accommodate more significant amounts of organic waste.

Ideal Location for Compost Bin

The compost bin should be placed in a warm and humid environment for optimal decomposition. A balcony, terrace, garden, or any well-ventilated outdoor space is suitable. If you live in an apartment, consider keeping the bin in a covered balcony or a designated area with good airflow.

How to Make Compost at Home Using Kitchen Waste?

Once your compost bin is set up, it is time to start adding waste. The key to successful composting is maintaining a balance between nitrogen-rich (green materials) and carbon-rich (brown materials).

Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich Waste)

These are moist, organic materials that provide essential nutrients for microbes to break down waste efficiently.

• Vegetable peels
• Fruit scraps
• Coffee grounds and tea leaves
• Cooked food waste (small amounts)
• Eggshells (crushed)

Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich Waste)

These dry materials help absorb excess moisture and prevent foul odors.

• Dry leaves
• Sawdust
• Small twigs
• Shredded cardboard (without ink)

Additional Additives

• Curd (Yogurt): Adding a small amount of curd occasionally introduces beneficial microbes that accelerate the decomposition process.

Materials to Avoid

Not all kitchen waste is suitable for composting. Some items can slow down decomposition or attract pests.

• Excess citrus peels and chili scraps (they lower the pH and slow decomposition)
• Newspaper and tissue paper (they take longer to break down)
• Large seeds like mango pits (they remain intact for months)

Maintaining the Right Balance

Achieving the right balance between nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich materials is crucial for effective composting. An improper balance can lead to unpleasant odors or slow decomposition.

How to Prevent a Bad Smell?

If your compost emits a strong, unpleasant odor, it is likely due to an excess of nitrogen-rich materials (kitchen waste). To fix this, add more dry leaves or other carbon-rich materials to absorb excess moisture and neutralize the smell.

How to Fix Dry Compost?

If the compost appears too dry and does not decompose properly, it lacks moisture. Sprinkle a small amount of water and mix the compost to restore the right level of humidity. However, avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to anaerobic decomposition, which causes a foul smell.

Aeration: The Key to Odor-Free Composting

Proper aeration is essential for composting. Turning or mixing the compost once a week introduces oxygen, which helps microbes break down the waste efficiently. Without enough oxygen, the composting process will become anaerobic, leading to an unpleasant odor. You can use a stick or a compost aerator to stir the mixture regularly.

Common Composting Issues and Solutions

1. Strong, Unpleasant Odor

Cause: Too much nitrogen-rich waste (food scraps) and insufficient carbon-rich materials (dry leaves).
Solution: Add more dry leaves or brown materials to balance the compost.

2. Compost is Too Dry and Not Breaking Down

Cause: Lack of moisture in the compost pile.
Solution: Lightly sprinkle water and mix the contents thoroughly.

3. Presence of Pests and Insects

Some insects in compost are beneficial, but certain pests like cockroaches and rats can be problematic.

• Beneficial insects such as small decomposers and earthworms help break down organic matter.
• Unwanted pests such as cockroaches and rats can be deterred by keeping the compost bin in a secure area. Keeping the bin on a raised stand with a tray underneath to collect excess liquid can also help.

If you notice an excessive number of cockroaches or rodents, consider placing natural deterrents such as neem leaves or applying pest control measures around the compost bin area.

How to Know When Your Compost is Ready?

Composting takes approximately two to three months to complete, depending on factors such as temperature, moisture, and aeration.

Signs that the compost is ready for use:

• It has a dark brown, crumbly texture similar to soil.
• It has a mild, earthy smell with no foul odor.
• No visible food scraps remain, except for harder materials like eggshells or large seeds.

Once the compost is fully decomposed, it can be used to enrich garden soil. Simply mix it into potted plants, flower beds, or vegetable gardens to improve soil fertility and promote healthy plant growth.

Conclusion

Composting at home is an easy, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly practice that helps reduce waste and enrich soil. By maintaining the right balance of green and brown materials, ensuring proper aeration, and addressing common issues, you can successfully create high-quality compost with minimal effort.

Starting a composting habit not only benefits the environment by reducing landfill waste but also provides a sustainable way to nourish your plants. With just a little patience and regular maintenance, you can turn your kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost that will enhance the health of your garden.

If you are hesitant about starting due to concerns about odor or pests, rest assured that by following these guidelines, your compost bin will remain well-maintained and odor-free. Take the first step today, and transform your kitchen waste into a valuable resource for your plants.