How to compost (even in the city) without odor or pests

Want to compost at home, but afraid it'll turn into a mini-landfill? You're not alone. However, with a few good habits, urban composting can be simple, odor-free, and bug-free ... we promise!

🌿 Why compost, even in the city?

• Reduce your household waste by up to 45%

• Reduces GHGs (greenhouse gases)

• Create rich soil, perfect for your plants, window boxes or urban vegetable garden

• What if you have a municipal brown bin? You're actively participating in the circular economy!

🗑️ Step 1: Choose your container carefully

Inside :

• A small, airtight , washable countertop bin

• Made of metal, stainless steel or BPA-free plastic

• Ideally with a carbon filter to neutralize odors

Outside (if you make your own compost):

• Closed composter or worm composter

• Sheltered from the sun and rain, but ventilated

✅ Step 2: Know good and bad waste

To compost (brown and green):

• Fruit/vegetable peelings

• Coffee grounds, paper filters

• Crushed eggshells

• Shredded newspaper

• Withered flowers, dead plants

• Tea bags (without staples)

To avoid:

• Meat, fish, dairy products

• Pasta, bread, cooked leftovers (attract critters)

• Compostable plastic (often not accepted in municipal bins)

• Animal bedding

🌀 Step 3: Balance the “browns” and “greens”

Good compost is a balanced ratio between nitrogenous (green) and carbonaceous (brown) materials:

• Too many “greens” = odors

• Too much “brown” = compost that doesn’t decompose well

Tip : For every bowl of wet (green) waste, add a handful of shredded paper, unprinted cardboard, or dead (brown) leaves.

🧼 Step 4: Avoid odors and flies

Here are the key steps to keep it clean:

• Empty the inner bin every 1 to 2 days

• Rinse the container with hot soapy water

• Keep a lid tightly closed

• Add paper or cardboard to the bottom of the tray

• Optional: Keep the inner tray in the freezer
  
  

• Bonus: Spray with Bio Bloom Spray between each addition of compost.

This 100% natural spray contains enzymes and bacteria that "eat" and neutralize odors without chemicals. Perfect for kitchen composts, especially in summer.

🐛 Step 5: Deter insects

• Don't leave the compost too wet (no compost soup!)

• Avoid cooked or greasy leftovers

• If you are doing worm composting: pay attention to light and ventilation

💡 What if I only have a balcony?

• Use a balcony composter (Bokashi or rotary type)

• Otherwise, store your compostable waste in a bag in the freezer , then empty it into a public brown bin (if available)

• Some community organizations collect compost! Check with your eco-neighborhood for more information.

• Use a composter like the Lomi , which takes up little space on a counter

In short : Composting in the city is possible, clean, and even satisfying. And with the right tools, it's zero waste and zero hassle.

Are you already composing at home? Come share your tips in our Facebook group “Local, eco-friendly, cheap – Tips and advice” .