Home composting works by balancing dry carbon-rich browns with wetter nitrogen-rich greens, while keeping the pile moist and aerated. Choose a bin or contained pile that fits the amount of material you produce and the space available. Follow your local program’s rules for meat, dairy, pet waste and food scraps, since accepted materials vary between backyard and municipal systems.
A useful compost setup is simple: mix dry browns and fresh greens, keep the material moist and allow air to move through the pile. The right bin depends on your yard, the amount of scraps you generate and how often you want to turn or harvest compost.
Choose a location and container
Place a contained pile or bin on a level, well-drained spot with access to water and room to add material. A closed tumbler can make turning easier; an open pile holds more material but needs a suitable outdoor location. Protect the pile from nuisance animals using a secure container and follow local rules.
Balance the ingredients
| Browns: dry, carbon-rich material | Greens: wetter, nitrogen-rich material |
|---|---|
| Dry leaves, shredded plain paper, small twigs | Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, fresh plant trimmings |
| Add when the pile smells sour or feels wet | Add in smaller amounts when the pile is dry or slow |
Mix new scraps into the pile and cover food pieces with browns. Keep the pile moist but not saturated, and turn or loosen it periodically to add air. Do not add materials restricted by your local compost program.
Use finished compost thoughtfully
Finished compost should look dark and crumbly, with few recognizable food scraps. It can be used as a soil amendment, but it is not a substitute for checking what a particular plant or garden bed needs. Our vegetable garden guide and raised bed soil guide cover growing setups. Browse gardening.
Official reference
Common questions
What can I put in a home compost bin?
A basic backyard pile can use leaves, small plant trimmings and uncooked fruit or vegetable scraps. Check local guidance before adding meat, dairy, pet waste, oils or materials treated with chemicals.
How wet should compost be?
Keep the pile evenly moist rather than waterlogged. Add dry leaves or shredded paper if it is soggy, and add water if the material is too dry to break down.
Why does my compost smell bad?
A strong odor often means the pile is too wet or lacks airflow. Add dry brown material, turn or loosen the pile and avoid adding more wet scraps until the balance improves.