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.
