Composting 101: Easy Home Composting Tips to Go Green and Cut Waste

April 4, 2025

Composting 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get Started at Home

At College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving, we're all about finding eco-friendly ways to keep your space clean and green. One of the best ways to do that? Composting! Whether you're a total beginner or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through Composting 101. We'll cover what composting is, why it's important, how to do it, and even answer some of the most common composting questions out there.

What is composting?

Composting is the process of turning organic waste, like food scraps and yard trimmings, into a nutrient-rich soil called compost. It happens naturally, but when you manage it right, it works faster and more efficiently. Composting is done with the help of tiny microorganisms that break everything down in the presence of oxygen.

The end result? A dark, crumbly mix that looks and smells like fresh soil. Gardeners love it, plants thrive in it, and it's a great way to keep trash out of landfills.

Benefits of composting

Why composting is important

Composting is one of the simplest things you can do to reduce your household waste. Americans produce nearly 300 million tons of trash every year, and a lot of it could be composted instead. When you compost at home, you cut down on what goes to landfills and help reduce pollution.

How composting helps the environment

Reduces landfill waste: Composting keeps food and yard scraps out of the trash.
Cuts greenhouse gases: Composting helps prevent methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, from forming in landfills.
Improves soil health: Compost adds nutrients to your garden soil, making it richer and more productive.
Saves water: Compost helps soil hold water better, which means you don’t have to water your plants as often.

How to compost

Getting started is easier than you think! Here's how:

Pick a spot – Choose a dry, shady spot in your yard with good drainage.
Get a bin or build one – You can buy a compost bin, make one from pallets, or simply start a pile.
Collect materials – Save your food scraps (greens) and yard waste (browns).
Build your pile – Start with a layer of browns, then layer greens and browns like lasagna.
Keep it moist – Your compost pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge.
Turn it – Mix or turn your pile every few weeks to keep air flowing and speed up the process.
Wait and use it – After a few months, you’ll have rich compost to use in your garden.

What can you compost?

Here’s what to toss in your compost pile:

Fruit and veggie scraps
Coffee grounds and filters
Eggshells (crushed)
Grass clippings
Dry leaves
Shredded paper (non-glossy)
Cardboard (no tape or glue)
Twigs and plant trimmings

What not to compost

Avoid these items in your home compost pile:

Meat, fish, and bones
Dairy products and oily foods
Pet waste and cat litter
Glossy paper or stickers
Diseased or invasive plants
Charcoal ash
Treated or painted wood

These materials can attract pests, create odors, or contain harmful substances.

Types of home composting

You’ve got a few options for composting at home:

Backyard composting: Great for outdoor spaces.
Worm composting (vermicomposting): Perfect for indoors or small spaces.
Compost tumblers: Enclosed bins you can rotate to mix compost.
Trench composting: Bury scraps directly in the garden soil.

Which composting method is the best?

That depends on your space and needs. If you have a yard, backyard composting or a tumbler works well. No yard? Vermicomposting is a great indoor option.

Can composting be done indoors?

Yes! Worm bins or countertop composters are great for apartments or small homes. Just keep them properly maintained to avoid odors.

More tips for composting at home

Chop large scraps into smaller pieces to help them break down faster.
Always cover food scraps with dry browns to keep smells down.
Keep your pile moist but not soaked.
Turn the pile regularly to keep it aerated.
In cold weather, composting slows down, but it still works. You can keep adding to your pile through winter.

Community composting

Don’t have space to compost? Check to see if your city has a compost drop-off site or curbside pickup. Many communities have composting programs or local farms that accept food scraps. You can even advocate for one if it doesn’t exist yet!

FAQs About Composting

Can composting be done in winter?
Yes! While the process slows down, your compost pile will still break down materials over time. You can also insulate your pile or use a compost bin with a lid.

Will composting attract rodents?
Not if done correctly. Use a secure bin with no large gaps, avoid meat and dairy, and always cover food scraps with browns.

What’s the difference between composting and recycling?
Composting breaks down organic waste into soil, while recycling repurposes materials like glass, paper, and plastic into new products.

Is composting good for gardens?
Absolutely! Compost improves soil health, helps retain moisture, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Can kids learn composting?
Yes! Composting is a fun and educational way to teach kids about nature, responsibility, and environmental care.

What’s the easiest way to start composting for beginners?
Start with a small bin, learn what to compost, and just begin! Keep the greens and browns balanced and turn it regularly.

FAQs About College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving

Does College HUNKS offer eco-friendly junk removal?
Yes! We donate or recycle up to 70% of the items we haul away, keeping as much out of landfills as possible.

Can College HUNKS help me dispose of yard waste or food scraps?
While we don't offer composting services directly, we can haul away yard debris and help you find eco-friendly disposal options in your area.

What other green services do you provide?
In addition to recycling and donating usable items, we offer sustainable moving services and labor help for cleanups.

Do you support community or environmental programs?
Yes! College HUNKS is proud to support local charities and sustainability efforts, including meal donations and disaster relief work.