How residents can start composting at home according to Green Mama Compost

Composting is accessible to people regardless of where they live, according to Green Mama Compost. The organization offers several options for managing organic waste, including outdoor compost bins for those with garden space and drop-off or collection services for others.

To begin composting, individuals are advised to collect food scraps during meal preparation and store them in a covered container until ready to transfer outdoors. These scraps should be moved weekly either to an outdoor compost pile or a designated collection site.

For home garden composting, the process involves purchasing or building a bin, mixing "browns" like leaves and twigs with "greens" such as kitchen scraps and grass clippings, and keeping pests away by excluding meat, oils, and bones. Food waste should be covered with leaves or grass clippings before sealing the bin. Maintaining moisture is important; water can be added as needed.

Compost typically becomes usable after six months when it no longer feels hot to the touch. When ready, it can be mixed into garden soil.

Green Mama Compost also provides guidance on what materials are suitable for composting at home—fruits, vegetables, uncoated paper products like napkins and egg cartons, dry grass clippings, shredded paper, cardboard tubes, broken pizza boxes—and which items should not be included such as diapers, pet waste, plastic wrappers, clothing, or biodegradable plastics.

Tips include covering new food scraps with three times as many browns collected previously and turning full bins to promote decomposition by reintroducing air. Insects or odors may occur when emptying or turning the bin but usually dissipate quickly with sunlight and fresh air exposure. If the pile smells strongly or appears too wet, adding more browns is recommended. Steam rising from the pile in the morning indicates healthy microbial activity.

According to Green Mama Compost: "Good things take time. Before using it in your garden, compost must be at least 6 months old and not feel hot to the touch. When it's ready simply mix your compost into your garden soil and watch your plants thrive."