Composting is an easy and useful habit that anyone can pick up, regardless of your living condition. Rather than letting organic waste decompose in landfills and release methane, we can compost food scraps and yard trimmings to create nutrient-rich soil for plants.
Choose Your Composting Method
You should think about which composting method is most appropriate for your home before you get started. The most critical considerations for renters are often space and convenience. Luckily, there are a number of options available to choose from:
- Outdoor compost bin: If you have access to an outdoor area, you should consider buying a compost bin or tumbler. There are many shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs and meets your design standards.
- Indoor composting: What if you have limited backyard space? That’s okay! Worm bins or countertop composters are two types of indoor composting systems that are perfect for those who live in apartments or those with limited outdoor space. They are small, don’t smell, and are easy to take care of.
Find the Perfect Spot
Select a spot that receives partial sunlight and provides sufficient drainage for outdoor bins. We ask that you do not put it right up against your house or close to something vulnerable, like a water source.
If you want indoor composting, opt for a convenient spot in your kitchen or utility area. Contemplate accessibility and ventilation to ensure your composting system stays healthy and smell-free.
Gather Your Materials
You will need both “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials like fruit and vegetable scraps) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials like dry leaves or newspaper). Aim for around 1 part greens to 1 part browns to retain a balanced compost pile.
What Can and Cannot Be Composted
Compostable Materials: Yes, Please!
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Eggshells
- Yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, etc.)
- Shredded paper or cardboard (in moderation)
These materials will break down over time, bringing crucial nutrients to your compost pile and helping to generate nutrient-rich soil for your plants.
Non-Compostable Materials: Keep Out!
- Meat and dairy products
- Greasy or oily foods
- Pet waste
- Diseased plants or weeds
- Plastic or metal
These items can attract pests, make smells that bother you, or introduce bad bacteria to your compost pile. It is suggested that you get rid of them in other ways, such as recycling or regular trash collection.
Maintaining Your Compost
Turn, Turn, Turn: By turning your compost pile often, you may help aerate it and speed up decomposition. Using a pitchfork or shovel, you should aim to turn your pile every week or two.
Monitor Moisture: Your compost pile should feel like a damp sponge – not too dry or wet. If it’s too dry, add water; if it’s too wet, add additional brown to soak up the extra moisture.
Indoor Composting Methods for Renters
Short on outside space? Don’t worry! Indoor composting methods are perfect for renters looking to reduce waste without sacrificing convenience.
- Worm Bins: Vermicomposting, or composting with worms, is a way of composting that is more compact and odorless. Add your food scraps to the bin, and the worms will deal with the rest. Additionally, worm castings are a great source of fertilizer for houseplants!
- Countertop Composters: Countertop composters are a practical solution for individuals with constrained space. By using aerobic composting, these compact bins can be placed nicely on your kitchen counter. Food scraps can be broken down quickly and effectively by them.
With these indoor composting methods, renters can easily incorporate composting into their everyday activities and positively impact the environment – right from the comfort of their homes.
Benefits for Rental Properties
In case you’re unaware, composting can benefit renters and the rental property itself. By encouraging composting at your rental property, you can make it a better place for your tenants to live that is also better for the environment. Here are a few ways composting can improve your rental property:
- Improved Soil Quality: In properties with yards, compost adds essential nutrients to the soil, assisting healthier plant growth and enhancing landscaping aesthetics.
- Reduced Waste Management Costs: Composting can assist in reducing waste management costs for rental properties by diverting organic waste from landfills.
- Enhanced Community Engagement: Composting projects in apartment buildings with multiple units can cultivate a sense of community among tenants and show the property’s responsibility for sustainability.
Congrats, you’ve reached the level of expertise in composting! By implementing the easy steps outlined in this manual, you’ve done a lot to help reduce waste, protect the environment, and produce healthier soil for your plants.
Whether you’re composting in a backyard or a high-rise apartment, there’s a perfect approach. So, what are you waiting for? To start converting your kitchen scraps into garden gold, get your compost bin and start immediately.
Are you ready to take the next step toward a more environmentally friendly way of life? Speak to Real Property Management Reliance for any and all of your rental needs. There are many kinds of rental homes that we offer in Salem and the nearby places. Contact us today through our online platform or browse our available rental listings to discover your ideal house and start composting in your very own space!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
