How can I start composting at home?

First things first, you need a way to start collecting your compost scraps. They can be collected in your kitchen in any stainless steel container or similar contraption that will block out some of the odors. 

Next, you’ll need a place to take your compost scraps. Drop-off locations and curbside contracted services are available in Charlottesville. If you'd like to compost in your backyard, you'll need an outdoor compost bin - a structure used to house and make compost until it can be used in the garden. Most are designed to hasten the decomposition of organic matter through proper aeration and moisture retention. 

In your outdoor bin, you’ll need to make sure to mix your compost in layers of greens and browns, a typical ratio of 1:3. For more information on getting started, check out this article  by NPR, or the City's Backyard Composting webpage

Show All Answers

1. Where can I purchase compostable bags to line my kitchen container?
2. What can I do with my yard waste?
3. How can I start composting at home?
4. What types of outdoor composting bins are available?
5. What can I put in my outdoor compost bin?
6. What do I need to do to make my outdoor compost better?
7. Is pet waste compostable?
8. What are my other options for composting in Charlottesville, if I can't compost at home?
9. What's the difference between biodegradable and compostable?
10. How do I know if my take-out food container is compostable?
11. Can I use compostable bags when I drop-off my compost?
12. How can I avoid odors from my kitchen container?
13. What else, besides food scraps, can I compost at home?
14. How do I set up my kitchen to start composting?
15. Why should I compost?
16. What kind of compostable bags are used at the City Market?
17. Can I compost meat, eggshells, oils & fats, or compostable plastics at home?
18. How can I avoid fruit flies in my kitchen container?
19. Can brown paper bags be composted?
20. Are pizza boxes compostable?
21. What happens to my food scraps after they get dropped off?
22. What are 'greens' and 'browns'?