If the idea of composting fills your head with images of a large backyard and a big compost bin, it's time to rethink what composting means. Today, everyone can compost - even if you live in a bustling urban center. If you think your city balcony is too small for composting, think again. Even a fire escape is big enough for a small compost bin. There are many compost options that allow city dwellers to save valuable landfill space. Read on to learn how to compost in the city - without attracting pests or creating a bad smell.

 

Newfangled compost bins are perfect for city dwellers. For under $40, you can buy a chic and functional compost pail that doesn't take up much space. You'll find lots of bamboo compost pails, ceramic compost pails, and stainless steel compost pails on the market right now. These pails have tight-fitting lids to keep pests out, and carbon filters to keep them odor-free. Most of these containers come in different sizes and shapes to suit your needs. They're attractive and clean enough to keep on a countertop, or you could store one on your balcony or fire escape.

 

If you're living in a small space where moisture and bad odors proliferate quickly, it's imperative to buy a compost pail with a carbon filter. DIY solutions are generally a good way to save money, but your average plastic Tupperware-type container will inevitably generate bad smells. If you must use a container other than a compost pail with a carbon filter, store the compost in the freezer. This will prevent your apartment from stinking of week-old vegetable peels.

 

Worms are fascinating creates that immensely enjoy your leftover food scraps. When fed food waste, red worms will consume this waste, and later excrete the waste in the form of small nutrient-packed pellets. Worm waste is the best kind of soil that you can provide your plants with, which is why so many "urban farmers" choose this form of composting over all others. In order to become a worm composting enthusiast, you will need the following objects:

Yes, I know what you're thinking: "No way am going to keep a bin full of worms on my balcony! Eeeewww!" The truth is, vermiculture creates almost no mess, and it's possible to compost without ever having to touch the worms. No one needs to know what's inside that large Rubbermaid bin on your porch, although divulging its contents will provide some environmental inspiration to your cocktail party guests.

 

Urban dwellers that have no place to dump their compost bins are taking matters into their own hands. These eco-enthusiasts have been known to dump compost waste into a nearby composting bin at the wee hours of the morning. Aside from this sneaky tactic, scope out your city for the following compost dumping locations: 

Containers that have been specially made for urban composting are often equipped with anti-odor features. Some of these items contain carbon filters that must be changed once every couple of months, while others contain natural deodorizers.

 

Worm compost piles don't actually smell at all, though it's important to control the amount of food that your worms eat. By feeding your worms a small amount of food waste at a time, you can ensure that rotting food won't be left lying around.

 

Generally, small pests are not a problem when it comes to urban composting. However, it's important to keep tight lids on compost jars, do not pile compost higher than the container that you are using, and keep your compost container in a secluded area.

 

This article was reprinted with permission. It originally appeared here on Networx.com.