• Backyard composting.
• Vermicomposting (worm composting).
  • Worm Composting EPA 
  • Worms Can Recycle Your Garbage
• Food scrap pick-up. Some private businesses offer this service. Composting service search:

In the world of composting, "greens" and "browns" are your dynamic duo. Greens, packed with nitrogen, include kitchen scraps like fruit peels, coffee grounds, and fresh plant trimmings—all the vibrant, moist goodies. On the flip side, browns, rich in carbon, encompass dry elements like dried leaves, straw, and newspaper. Compost requires a balance of these two, with the best ratio generally considered to be 3 parts brown to 1 part green, but you may find you need a little more of less. This magic mix ensures a well-aerated, microbe-friendly environment, that helps to ensure you don’t encounter problems, such as odor, during decomposition.

Avoid Adding the following to a Backyard Compost Pile:

• Meat, fish, and bones*
• Cheese and dairy products*
• Fats, oils, and grease*
• Food service ware and bags (even those marked “compostable”)**
• Herbicide-treated plants and grass
• Aggressive weeds/weeds with seeds
• Diseased and pest-infested plants
• Treated or painted wood
• Pet waste and cat litter
• Dryer lint
• Glossy paper
• Produce stickers

*These foods can cause odors and attract animals

** Backyard composting piles generally do not reach high enough temperature to fully decompose these materials. These materials can be composted through commercial composting.

Worried about not having enough browns for your compost? Consider the following:

1. Ask your neighbors or local landscapers for their plant waste
2. Consider using a service such as chip drop

   Note: This can result in a large amount of chip mulch being delivered. Be aware of local code ordinances and HOA rules prior to utilizing this service.

3. Consider vermicomposting or food scrap pick-up options instead of backyard composting.

When setting up your compost pile, select a convenient and accessible spot in your yard with year-round access and good drainage. Avoid placing it directly against a fence, and make sure there's a nearby water source for occasional moisture adjustments. Whether in sun or shade, your compost pile will work its magic. Now, onto the bin – choose one that suits your style. Bins can be crafted from wire, wood, cinder blocks, or even repurposed containers like 5-gallon buckets, barrels, or tumblers. The options are diverse and a variety of different composting systems can be found through an online search.

Establish a simple system and routine for collecting kitchen scraps. Keep a closed container on your kitchen counter, under the sink, or even in the fridge or freezer for fruit and vegetable scraps. This helps contain odors and prevents pests. On the flip side, for your carbon-rich "browns," designate an outdoor space to stash away leaves, twigs, or any other dry materials. This reserved area will serve as your go-to source to achieve that perfect greens-to-browns ratio in your compost pile.

Before adding your browns and greens to the pile, try to chop and break them up into smaller pieces (e.g., corn cobs, broccoli stalks, and other tough food scraps). Smaller bits provide more surface area for microbes to work their magic, resulting in faster breakdown and nutrient-rich compost.

Building a successful compost pile is all about layers and balance. Start your pile with a generous four- to six-inch layer of bulky browns like twigs and wood chips. This layer not only absorbs excess liquids but also provides elevation for your pile, promoting air circulation at the base. Now, get ready for the compost lasagna – layer your greens and browns. If the pile seems a bit dry, a sprinkle of water can do wonders.

Achieving the right ingredient proportions is the secret for composting success. Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and moisture are the key players that fuel composting microorganisms. When adding browns and greens, maintain a healthy ratio – think at least two to three times the volume of browns (like dry leaves) to greens (such as food scraps). Always cover those food scraps with four to eight inches of dry leaves or other browns.

Don't forget about air and water – turn your compost one to two times a week to ensure adequate air circulation, and maintain the moisture level akin to a wrung-out sponge.

As the materials in your compost pile begin to decompose, the temperature of the pile will initially begin to rise, especially in the center. A backyard pile, if well maintained, can reach temperatures of 130° to 160° F. High temperatures help reduce the presence of pathogens and weed seeds. 

Turning and mixing your pile from time to time will help speed up the decomposition process and aerate the pile. Use a garden fork to turn the outside of the pile inward.

Monitor your pile for moisture, odor, and temperature and make adjustments as needed. Here are some common issues/concerns and recommended adjustments.

Congratulations, you've reached the grand finale – harvesting your finished compost! When your compost pile stops heating up after mixing and there are no visible food scraps, it's time for curing. Allow your pile to sit undisturbed for at least four weeks. You can relocate the oldest compost to a separate area for curing or simply stop adding materials. After this curing period, your pile will shrink to about one-third of its original size.

In a well-maintained pile, compost is typically ready in three to five months. Without proper care, it might take up to a year. Your finished compost should look dark, loose, and crumbly, with the fresh scent of soil. Most, if not all, materials in the pile should be decomposed.

Before putting your compost to use, screen or sift it to filter out any materials that didn't break down – like twigs, fruit pits, eggshells, and non-compostable items. You can make a simple homemade screener using ¼ inch hardware cloth. The screened-out items can be added back to the active or new pile.

Now, put your nutrient-rich compost to work:

Mulch: Apply a thick layer (about 3 inches) around the base of plants, leaving space to avoid rotting the base. Re-mulch once or twice a year.

Soil Amendment (to add nutrients): Apply 1-3 inches of compost one month before planting, working it into the top 3-4 inches of soil. Note: Don't use compost alone for new plantings due to potential drainage issues.

Potting Soil Mix: Mix 1 part compost with 2 parts potting soil.

Share the Love: If you have excess compost, consider gifting it to school or community gardens, gardening friends, neighbors, or local farms. You can also post it on community platforms like Craigslist or contribute to Free Plant N Garden Stands.

Happy composting!