How to Compost in an Apartment

No backyard? No problem. Composting in an apartment is not only possible, it’s becoming the norm. With the rise of compact composting systems, odor-free solutions, and community programs, apartment dwellers now have more options than ever.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to compost, but I live in an apartment,” you’re not alone. Composting often feels like something reserved for suburban homes with backyards, garden beds, and leaf piles. But here’s the reality: more than half of today’s composters live in apartments or condos. Composting without a yard isn’t a workaround, it’s a fully established lifestyle shift. The key is choosing the method that fits your space, budget, and level of involvement.

Below are the most practical and proven ways to compost in an apartment, starting with the easiest option.

Option 1: Electric Composters (Easiest for Apartment Living)

What Is an Electric Composter?

An electric composter is a countertop appliance that processes food scraps using a combination of heat, airflow, and agitation. It dramatically reduces food waste volume and transforms scraps into a dry, soil-like material.

Space Needed

• Roughly the footprint of a bread maker
• Fits on a countertop or inside a cabinet

What You Can Compost

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Meat and fish
• Dairy
• Cooked foods (Accepted items vary by model)

What You Get

A dry, odor-free output in 24 hours to 2 weeks
Material that can be:

• Mixed into houseplant soil
• Added to outdoor soil later
• Shared with gardening friends

Pros

• Extremely hands-off
• Designed to be odor-free (carbon filters)
• Accepts foods traditional composting cannot
• Works immediately with minimal learning curve

Cons

• Higher upfront cost ($300–$700)
• Uses electricity
• Filters need periodic replacement
• Output benefits from additional curing for best soil results

Best For

Busy apartment dwellers who want maximum convenience, minimal mess, and a plug-and-play solution.

Option 2: Bokashi Fermentation (Budget-Friendly & Compact)

What Is Bokashi Composting?

Bokashi is a Japanese fermentation method that processes food scraps in an airtight container using beneficial microbes. Unlike traditional composting, it ferments rather than decomposes waste.

Space Needed

• Two 5-gallon buckets (for rotating batches)
• Fits under a sink or in a closet

What You Can Compost

All food scraps, including:

• Meat
• Dairy
• Cooked food

What You Get

Fermented “pre-compost” after about 2 weeks. This material must then be:

• Buried in soil
• Added to a traditional compost pile

Pros

• Low cost ($40–$80 for a starter kit)
• Accepts meat and dairy
• Fast processing time
• Compact and apartment-friendly

Cons

• Sour, pickled smell when opened
• Requires ongoing purchase of bokashi bran
• Output must be buried in soil
• Not a standalone solution if you have zero outdoor access

Best For

Apartment dwellers with access to a balcony planter, community garden, or a friend’s yard.

Option 3: Community Composting Programs (Zero Equipment)

What Is Community Composting?

Many cities now offer municipal or private composting programs that handle composting for you. You simply collect your food scraps and drop them off—or have them picked up—while the program manages the composting process.

Space Needed

• A small countertop collection container
• No additional equipment required

What You Can Compost

• Varies by program
• Most accept all food scraps, including meat and dairy

What You Get

• The satisfaction of keeping food waste out of landfills
• Some programs offer finished compost back to participants

Pros

• No equipment to buy
• No compost management required
• Often accepts all food scraps
• Frequently free or very low cost

Cons

• Requires regular trips to a drop-off site (unless pickup is available)
• Availability depends on your city
• You typically don’t keep the compost

Best For:

Anyone who wants maximum simplicity and doesn’t need the finished compost for personal use.

How to Choose the Right Apartment Composting Method

Use this quick guide to narrow it down:

• No outdoor space at all: Electric composter or worm bin
• Have a balcony: Small tumbler, bokashi system, or worm bin
• Want minimal effort: Electric composter or community drop-off

There’s no single “best” method—only the one you’ll actually stick with.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

No matter which system you choose, start with a countertop collection container. Having a dedicated place to collect scraps while cooking makes composting far more realistic in an apartment.

Look for a Collection Bin With:

• A tight-fitting lid to reduce odors
• Smooth surfaces that are easy to clean
• A size that matches your routine (too large = scraps sit too long)

Empty it every few days, and apartment composting becomes a seamless habit rather than a chore.

Common Apartment Composting Concerns (Answered)

“Won’t it smell?” Not if managed correctly. 

• Electric composters use carbon filters
• Worm bins don’t smell when balanced properly
• Bokashi systems are sealed
• Collection bins just need regular emptying

Smell usually signals something is off—not that composting doesn’t work.

“Won’t I get bugs?” Bugs are avoidable with simple habits:

• Cover scraps in worm bins with bedding
• Run electric composters regularly
• Keep collection bins closed

Most pest issues come from exposed food, not composting itself.

“What do I do with the compost?” Common options include:

• Feeding houseplants or balcony containers
• Donating to community gardens
• Sharing with gardening friends
• Giving to local farms
• Mixing into landscaping around your building (with permission)

The Bottom Line

Apartment composting isn’t just possible—it’s practical when you choose the right system. Start small. Choose what fits your space, budget, and commitment level. You can always adjust or upgrade later.