So, you live in the city and want to start composting your organic food waste, but you don't know where to start. Not to worry, you can still get composting!
Most people living in the city don't usually have a garden or balcony, and if you fit in this category, then there are a few compost bins to choose from. Each type of compost bin differs depending on the manufacturer and the purpose it is intended for, but ultimately you'll need a small compost bin like an indoor composter. Small compost bins are ideal for city apartments as they are conveniently sized to fit in your kitchen. They're designed to temporarily store your food scraps, before being buried in a garden. To get started on your zero waste journey, we recommend a Bokashi Composter or a Composter Bucket.
Pick any of the above depending on what look, colour and size that will best suit your home and lifestyle. If you live in Victoria, you can get up to 40% of the cost subsidized by your local council*. I have a Bokashi Indoor Composter, which holds an average of 2-3 weeks of scraps. Once you have your compost bin, it's time to assemble it. Don't make the same mistake I did by forgetting to attach the tap (yea I know, rookie error). The tap is used to drain the 'compost juice' which accumulates as a byproduct from the organic food waste. Make sure to dilute the compost liquid with water, then start watering your plants with this mixture to make them happy 🌱.
Method
Step 1. Get a small compost bin for your apartment (see above).
Step 2. Make yummy plant-based food and set aside the waste.
Step 3. Put your organic food waste in the compost bin.
Step 4. Spray the waste with enzyme spray to help break it down.
Repeat steps 2 to 4.
Step 5. By week 3, empty out your compost bin to an outdoor compost bin.
Emptying your Bokashi compost bin is part of the process so you'll need to find somewhere to do this.
I have been using an app called
ShareWaste which helps you connect to a neighbour that is already composting or worm-farming (it's basically like Tinder, but for composting). It's a win-win because you can divert waste from landfill, while getting to know the people around you.
Alternatively, you can keep an eye on the next working bee at your local community garden. I recently discovered the
Foundry Park Community Garden in South Melbourne. Every two weeks, they invite locals to drop off their food scraps and it has now become my go-to destination/fortnightly Sunday ritual.
Composting isn't hard, it just takes a bit of effort. The best part is knowing that the waste you produce will end up as nutrients for the soil, rather than ending up in a landfill. I have been composting for a few weeks now and I have a newfound perspective on how much food waste I produce! Surprisingly, it has positively impacted my habits by maximizing the ingredients I use in my cooking and by purchasing fruits and vegetables wrapped in less packaging.
Fun Facts
- The average household throws away a third of their food.*
- The most wasted food is bread.*
- Anyone can get composting. It's not that hard.
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