Start Composting at Home

Start Composting at Home

compostComposting is the natural decomposition of organic material (from plants and animals) by microorganisms, into a dark brown crumbly organic substance called compost.

Compost mixed with soil is beneficial for growing plants as the compost retains soil moisture, improves soil structure and provides nutrients.

There are different types of composting methods such as using a typical compost heap (outdoor or in a compost bin), using earthworms in vermicomposting, or using effective microorganisms in Bokashi composting.

Instead of throwing away your food and garden waste, which ends up being incinerated, why not try composting them at home? The compost can be used for gardening and helps you save money by reducing the use of fertilisers.

You can try composting your food and garden waste at home with these 4 easy steps:

1. Prepare a Compost Bin

You can buy a compost bin for a few hundred dollars but we recommend building one yourself. All you need is a cheap plastic bin with a lid, such as the common black dustbin or the rectangular-sized dustbin. The size of the compost bin depends on your family size, the amount of waste disposed and where you want to place it.

It is important to ensure that air can circulate freely in the compost bin as composting is an aerobic process where microorganisms require oxygen to decompose the waste. If there’s insufficient air, the process becomes anaerobic and produces gases such as methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, which causes smell problems.

To ensure good air circulation, drill small holes on the lid and at the bottom and sides of the bin. The bin should be placed at an airy spot without direct sunlight. The bin should also be elevated from the ground by placing two bricks or stones at each end of the bin bottom.

Use cardboard to line the sides in the bin to prevent material from coming out from the holes at the side. Stuff wood chips or wood shavings in a net and place it as a pillow at the bottom of the bin. This helps to prevent liquid and material from coming out from the holes at the bottom.

2. Start Adding Waste

Get fresh compost from an existing compost bin or buy them from stores. Place the compost into the bin and up to one-third of the bin. This compost acts as a starter as it contains microorganisms necessary for decomposing the waste.

compost-binThe microorganisms use carbon and nitrogen in the waste as food, so you should add a mixture of “greens” and “browns” to the compost bin.

Carbon is rich in “browns” such as dead leaves, twigs, woody prunings, wood shavings, egg boxes, cardboard, newspaper and waste paper.

Nitrogen is rich in “greens” such as fruits, vegetables, leaves, flowers, grass cuttings, eggshells, teabags and coffee grounds.

A balanced diet is necessary for the microorganisms and for making good compost. It is recommended to add about 50% “browns” and 50% “greens” to your compost bin. You can also cut the waste into smaller pieces to quicken the composting process.

Remember that you should not add meat, fish, cooked food, dairy products and oily stuff into the compost bin, as it will cause odour and pest problems.

After adding the waste to the starter compost, add water to the mixture and mix thoroughly using a spade or garden fork. The mixture should be moist and not wet.

Place another pillow net of wood chips or wood shavings on top of the mixture and close the lid. This helps to keep the moisture in the compost bin.

3. Maintain the Compost Mixture

The compost mixture generates heat as the microorganisms eat, grow and respire. So if you feel that your mixture is warm, this means that the composting process is doing fine. Mix the contents of the compost bin daily to circulate air and release heat.

Also ensure that the mixture is kept moist. A quick test is to take a handful of the mixture and squeeze it. If you get a few drops, that’s ok. But if you get too much liquid, you should add some woody or paper waste to absorb it.

If you have more waste, just add them to the mixture and mix it. Adjust the moisture content and the ratio of “browns” and “greens” accordingly.

4. Use the Compost

After about three to six months, the composting process should be completed and your food and garden waste should turn into dark brown material.

Screen your compost with a 0.5cm filter or a similar sized net. The smaller sized compost can be used for your gardening while the bigger sized compost can be kept in the bin as starter compost.

You can use the compost by mixing it with soil for growing plants. Or add a layer of compost at the plant base to prevent weeds.

That’s it, 4 easy steps to start composting at home. Ok, maybe it’s not so easy for some people. But with patience and care, everyone can produce natural compost from your food and garden waste. Try it today!

Image credit: wisemandarine (compost); Hello, I am Bruce (compost bin)

43 Comments

  • byaileen
    Posted February 21, 2009 11:28 pm 0Likes

    thanks for the very useful article, eugene.

    can you please tell me where i can buy compost to start my own compost heap.

    very interested in starting a compost heap

    • byEugene
      Posted February 24, 2009 2:57 pm 0Likes

      Hi Aileen, you can get compost from most nurseries. I think it’s also available at some ntuc outlets.

  • byNoWaste
    Posted May 24, 2009 1:02 pm 0Likes

    Hi Aileen, you do not have to buy compost to make compost. It can be made from any organic waste including green waste. Let me know if you need more information.

  • byShupra
    Posted June 26, 2009 10:52 pm 0Likes

    Hey Eugene,
    Your idea as well as explanation is fabulous. I would definitely try it out. Thanks.

  • byGan
    Posted July 1, 2009 11:27 am 0Likes

    Hi, I read somewhere that the compost process can be speed up to about 4 – 6 wks. What are your thoughts on this ?

    • byEugene
      Posted July 9, 2009 11:20 am 0Likes

      The natural composting process takes a few months but it also depends on the type of waste. Some composting systems use special microorganisms, worms or heat to shorten the composting time.

  • byRob Schilling
    Posted August 2, 2009 10:10 am 0Likes

    Hi Eugene,

    Your article is useful. I am seeking a compost maker and worms: Do you know who sells them in Singapore?

    Thanks,

    Rob

  • bykairin
    Posted November 4, 2009 10:55 pm 0Likes

    well i am sold on the idea of reducing my waste products and growing plants as a hobby too.

    but where can i find the worms??? any suppliers around???

    any idea where i can find these wonderful creatures in sg?

  • byStephen
    Posted November 30, 2009 1:14 pm 0Likes

    Hi, I have composting worms to let go… can call me at HP 9179-9463

  • byGerald
    Posted December 1, 2009 10:47 pm 0Likes

    I used to compost religiously in NZ but am now living in an apartment in SG – any tips on how to compost in the urban jungle? I looked into bokashis but it’s not a full solution, you still have to get rid of the solid waste. Also dead keen to re-start a veggie garden which is easy enough to do on the patio, but can’t find a big enough box planter – help!

  • byStephen
    Posted February 24, 2010 1:58 pm 0Likes

    Hi Gerald…I make composting bins that comes with the composting worms, see below links… can call me at HP9179-9463 if interested, thanks for going Green!

    http://www.greenculturesg.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=20919

    http://www.greenculturesg.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=14347&st=0

  • byMichelle Leong
    Posted April 16, 2010 10:56 pm 0Likes

    Interesting article! 🙂

    My fiance and I have started composting our raw fruit and veggie scraps as well, and also created our own compost bin for under $20. If you’re interested, do feel free to visit our blog at compostinginsingapore.wordpress.com

    However, does anyone know where we can purchase a compost thermometer in Singapore? It helps us keep the compost temperature in check, and see if the compost pile is active or not.

    Looking forward to any response! Thank you! 🙂

    • byEugene
      Posted April 17, 2010 11:20 am 0Likes

      Hi Michelle, good initiative on composting at HDB homes.

      You might need to add more soil/compost to your composting bin, break down the waste into smaller pieces, and turn it every day. And you need more holes at the side and top for air circulation to prevent anaerobic conditions.

      You don’t actually need a compost thermometer, as long as the pile is warm when you place your hand over it, it means the composting process and microorganisms are alive and working.

  • byMichelle Leong
    Posted April 19, 2010 12:54 pm 0Likes

    Hi Eugene, thank you for your tip and feedback! 🙂 So far it has been a highly interesting and satisfactory experience; my fiance and I have never viewed food and household waste the same way again ever since we started composting. We are even planning to start vermicomposting soon.

    However, we are trying out a “lazy” method of composting in view of Singapore’s current attitude/motivation towards composting. Do visit our latest blog entry to have a better insight of this experiment – http://compostinginsingapore.wordpress.com/2010/04/19/common-myths-about-composting/

    We’re not sure how the exact outcome will be, but we hope to come up with very hassle-free composting solutions for Singaporeans with average/low motivation in composting.

    We welcome all comments and feedback! 🙂

  • byMary Jane
    Posted April 23, 2010 3:04 pm 0Likes

    Hello! I live in Singapore and Bali. In Bali I have started a sizable organic garden, and am making compost in volume. I really want to buy a compost thermometer, to know when to turn my materials over. Can anyone tell me where to buy in Singapore? Many thanks!! Mary

  • byLorenzo
    Posted June 6, 2010 9:24 am 0Likes

    Do you have any numbers as to how much money can be saved if one were to start composting and used it instead of fertiliser? Also do you know approximately how much compost can be generated if i were to use a larger compost bin of about 1metre in diameter and 1 metre in height?

    I’m trying to propose the idea of composting to my school, the teacher is a little skeptical of the amount of money and said we needed some values.

    I would really appreciate your help!

    • byEugene
      Posted June 7, 2010 9:09 am 0Likes

      Hi Lorenzo, how much you can save depends on your current fertiliser cost and usage frequency.

  • byDaiquiri
    Posted June 17, 2010 9:58 am 0Likes

    hey me too! composting in school would be great 😀

  • byCarl
    Posted August 18, 2010 2:05 pm 0Likes

    Mary Jane and Michelle,

    Composting thermometers are fairly easy to find…. go down to ure nearest BBQ/Hardware store and find a meat thermometer…. you know the one you can poke into the meat and get a reading of temperature. I got mine at a hardware store at the Cold Storage Sixth Avenue which doubles up as a BBQ equipment store too.

    They have digital ones (expensive) and normal needle analog type (cheeeeeeeap!).

    I never use a thermometer….. my hands (back of them) work well. and i turn them so often temperature doesnt really matter.

    I have a vemicomposting bin indoors in SG and the results from that are faster than composting….

    Carl

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  • byStephen
    Posted October 21, 2010 9:57 pm 0Likes

    Hi All, I have set up a website http://www.terracyclesg.com on recycling of foodwaste and horticultural waste…Do feel free to contact me for consultation…no obligation…hp 9179-9463, thanks.

    • byEugene
      Posted October 25, 2010 9:31 pm 0Likes

      Thanks Stephen for sharing.

  • byfumanuld3
    Posted March 29, 2011 7:04 pm 0Likes

    Excellente matinée à toutes et tous ,

    En premier lieu , donnez-moi l’opportunité de vous démontrer mon appréciation pour toutes les formidables infos que j’ai lues sur cet impressionnant site.

    Je ne suis pas convaincue d’être au bon section mais je n’en ai pas trouvé de meilleure .

    J’habite à Summerside, us . J’ai 27 années et j’éduque trois super enfants qui sont tous âgés entre 5 et 14 ans (1 est adopté). J’aime particulièrement beaucoup les animaux et j’essaie de leur donner les marchandises qui leur rendent l’existance plus festive .

    Merci à l’avance pour toutes les palpitantes discussions à venir et je vous remercie de votre compréhension pour mon français moins qu’idéal : ma langue maternelle est l’anglais et je tempte d’apprendre mais c’est très complexe !

    A plus tard

    Arthru

  • byKong
    Posted June 17, 2011 12:58 pm 0Likes

    Hi

    Good day
    Does anyone know where to get a home compost machine in Singapore to recycle home food waste? I mean a small unit able to go under kitchen sink.

    • byEugene
      Posted June 22, 2011 11:28 am 0Likes

      Hi Kong, not sure on that, the ones we know are quite big

  • byStacey
    Posted October 2, 2011 12:10 pm 0Likes

    I really hate to put food waste in the garbage but I really have no where to put compost when a bin gets full. I know I can put a smell free worm bin under the sink but it’s going to get full at some point. Are there any local farms that want this urban waste?

  • byel
    Posted December 11, 2011 11:14 am 0Likes

    why need to buy compost bins? styrofoam boxes picked up from the wet mkts can do as well. It can be neatly stacked up.

    no need to buy any worms. worms will come naturally when the greens breakdown.

    the whole process is practically free of charge

  • byM L
    Posted September 3, 2012 7:27 pm 0Likes

    Hi. My first try at composting resulted in moulds. how to prevent that?
    Thank you.

  • bychongx
    Posted December 14, 2012 10:29 am 0Likes

    Hi it’s because of the moisture. A good way to prevent that is to blend all your food waste together. Alternatively, you can start with heat composting then subsequently feed the waste to the worms.

    Any further queries just visit ny website.
    http://Www.worm-compost-bins.com. or
    http://Www.worm-compost-bins.blogspot.com

    Cheers.

  • byMrs E Thompson
    Posted December 31, 2012 6:27 am 0Likes

    Could you please advise where I can hire or buy a model of the inside of a compost bin for use in a schoolsimilar to the one at the beginning of your article
    Thank You

  • byKoi-Yong
    Posted January 12, 2013 11:58 am 0Likes

    Hi, I have a can-o-worm but the worms died. I want to buy the worms from the distributer again but they are only interested in selling the kit. Is there anyone selling earthworms?

  • byHowie
    Posted December 13, 2015 11:49 am 0Likes

    I like to know where I can get wood chips for my garden

  • byKul
    Posted October 5, 2016 5:22 pm 0Likes

    Nice site and wish there were more likeminded folks around! I just invested in a composting machine (Google red dragon composter) it’s pretty cool and takes all the nasties from the kitchen and turns it to some harmless compost like substance in a few days. No smells either even with meats. It’s a biggish machine though (half the width of a standard washing machine).

    It can’t handle garden waste though eg tougher leaves and branches – anyone know where I might be able to buy a suitable mulcher or waste grinder in Singapore ?

  • byJC
    Posted April 5, 2017 1:50 am 0Likes

    I come to this site as I search for a rental service of a food recycler or any machine that can turn my existing pile into a finished product, fertiliser. This search starts as my pile got too wet and started to grow small white ‘worms’. I sincerely hope it is not maggots but good worms. I will try to add more brown stuff to my pile and see if the situation gets better, otherwise I will have to ‘cook’ the pile again. Does anyone know where I can get such a setvice. Quite desperate as I am going overseas next week and hope my pile don’t breed something I have to exterminate when I returned.

    The home composting article and other guides online are encouraging but I personally have to say that home composting food waste is not as easy as written. Lots of care is required to make sure the pile is not attracting or breeding files or the time required to monitor the pile, especially for a beginner. After spending a few hours ‘cooking’ the pile which turned, I much rather get a machine whuch and convert each batch into compost. This leads to another search where such home machines are quite pricey (food recycler cost more than S$600).

    I think there are people in Singapore who are into composting their food waste. So, what initiatives are there to encourage people to try composting at home? Make it effortless? I think most families wouldn’t mind paying some amount to get such a machine if it is subsidied. I definitely get my extended family to try. Anyway, will arrange to get such a machine if I want to continue home composting as I cannot stand the uncertainty of whether I am breeding something good in my pile. It should be as educational for my nieces and nephews be it natural or machine made.

    Does anyone know where I can rent such a machine or service?

  • byFa
    Posted April 24, 2017 2:53 pm 0Likes

    I’m wandering the same about home compost. I know people who tried and gave up cause of the dificulties. Living in an apartment makes too difficult for me to do a home compost. So is there compostable bins in the market here. A Friend living in Australia got one and it seems to be going well. Apparently it does not have any smell and the food turns into consist quite quick.
    Also do you know places in The Central area that would want the compost to be used in the gardens?

  • byJess
    Posted June 10, 2017 2:18 pm 0Likes

    Hi,
    I am very keen to start a compost but I live in an apartment, so I will need some worms to start it. Do you know where I can find/buy some ?
    Thank you for your help !

  • byJap
    Posted February 28, 2019 10:14 am 0Likes

    Dear All,

    I am avid garderner and help others to provide compost bin at cost.

    I had 2 tiers HDPE Compost bin complete with starter kit provided from recycle bin that can use as normal compost/bokahsi/worm compost.

    If keen kindly PM me at +6598341852.

  • byLIM KS
    Posted December 15, 2019 10:13 pm 0Likes

    Do you know that more than 50% of landfill comes from food waste?

    You can simply collect those beneficial earthworms during heavy rain near your grass field and make them your compost making heroes and safe tones of landfill. Not only that, your plants will love it. Recently, during raining season, I have collected 30 over earthworms (in half an hour time) just below my block and they are now happily staying in my styrofoam box with lots of kitchen waste.

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  • bySwee Huang
    Posted April 23, 2020 9:15 pm 0Likes

    Just came across this website! We just started our own compost and it’s super exciting now when we have egg shells or vegetable shavings we need to discard. 🙂 thanks for encouraging this!

  • byAIini Abdul Gani
    Posted May 12, 2020 2:02 pm 0Likes

    I have been composing for about two years. I did not buy any bin but used a huge flower pot.I placed some stones at the bottom and add cut greens (vegetables, fruit skins but not citrus ones) Powdered egg shell then the sawdust. I repeatedly do this arrangement It reaches the top,. By the way, every three to four days I turn the contents about. Three to four monthd from the last addition the compose is ready to be use, Adding sawdust I found at the top layer is useful as it deters insects from entering into the pot.Remember to place the pot in the shade . After putting the compose to dry, shift it. It now ready for use or can be stored for later use,

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