Compost at Home or with a Service

Summary: Compost your food and reduce your waste and greenhouse emissions.

Description

Composting your food waste is an easy and affordable way to reduce your household's contribution of greenhouse gases! Over 51% of the trash that goes to landfills is compostable, contributing to the generation of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that pollutes our planet’s air. 

Along with lowering your greenhouse emissions, composting can reduce your household’s waste, reduce trash disposal costs for both you and your town, and make your trash bin smell much cleaner without rotting food!

Deep Dive

Can I compost at home?

Yes! By composting in your own yard, you avoid unnecessary transportation of materials back and forth and add nutrients back into the soil. Read instructions on the basics of composting from the EPA and the Rodale Institute. 

Can I compost if I live in an apartment?

Yes! For those without a yard, vermicomposting, or indoor composting with worms, is a space saving option. You can make your own bin or purchase one that has added convenience features through retailers. It is simple to do, and makes a fun science project for kids!

Want to sign up for curbside pick up?

Consider using Black Earth Compost, for reliable weekly curbside pickup service of all your food scraps and organics, including food-stained newspaper, flower cuttings, meat, grease, cheese and even bones. Our partners at EnergizeWayland and Green Newton have identified Black Earth as a reliable composting service and they have also been used by the cities of Natick and Newton. See the full list of what you can put in the bin. In the spring you can either receive a voucher for a bag of finished compost, redeemable at participating Garden Centers, or you can donate your compost to Backyard Growers. Businesses, restaurants, schools, and assisted living facilities can use this service too. 

Steps to Take

Step 1: Buy a compost bin or build your own.

Step 2: Read up on the basics of composting from EPA.

Step 3: Use a small bucket on your countertop or other covered containers to collect your food scraps and empty them regularly into your yard compost bin.

Step 4: Save some of your fall leaves or torn newspapers to mix into your pile to maintain the correct balance of materials 

Step 5: Look into curbside pickup options.

Visit the Black Earth website to check out their services and select one that is right for you. Order your Starter Kit, which includes a handy, critter-proof bin on wheels, a roll of bags to line the bin so it stays clean, and a roll of smaller bags for your kitchen compost container. Once registered, you will be given instructions about where to pick up your Starter Kit.

Step 6: Happy composting!