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Backyard composting

Learn about composting in your backyard or using an on-site commercial compost container.  

Composting transforms yard debris and food scraps into a valuable soil amendment. It’s one of the best ways to reduce waste, cut garbage costs, and support healthy landscapes. 

A man transfers food waste, including bananas, from a small compost container into a large compost container.
A man transfers food waste, including bananas, from a small compost container into a large compost container.

Backyard composting

Home gardeners and those who don’t have access to compost collection can learn how to compost in their backyard. We recommend these free guides:  

Or you can use a worm bin to vermicompost. Vermicompost is the process of red wiggler (eisenia fetida) worms converting food scraps into a soil amendment. 

You can purchase a worm bin locally or make your own (200KB)

Commercial on-site composting 

Most on-site composting systems are "in-vessel," meaning the compost is fully contained and vermin resistant. Containers range in processing capacity and price point. Some handle a couple of pounds per day while others can handle thousands of pounds per day. Schools often find that in-vessel composting systems are excellent teaching tools. 

Read more about compost systems in our on-site composting pilot program report (55KB)

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