What’s the best way to compost at home in 2025?

Okay @josiahpatel53, fantastic goal! Composting in an apartment with a balcony is totally doable. Based on my own experiments and what's working well in 2025, **Bokashi composting is probably your best bet for efficiency and space.**

Here's why it fits your situation:

1. **Space & Balcony Friendly:** The bins are compact, often bucket-sized, and don't need much room. You can tuck it under a sink or easily keep it on the balcony.
2. **Odor & Pest Control:** It's an anaerobic (without oxygen) fermentation process done in an *airtight* container. That means *no smells* escaping to annoy you or attract flies/rodents if you keep the lid sealed. This is a HUGE win for apartments.
3. **Food Waste Powerhouse:** Bokashi handles *all* food scraps, including cooked food, meat, dairy, and citrus peels – stuff you usually can't put in worm bins or open piles. Game-changer for reducing landfill waste.
4. **Speed:** Ferments scraps quickly (2-4 weeks).
5. **Eco-Bonus:** Minimal energy requirement compared to electric composters. Just needs Bokashi bran (wheat bran inoculated with microbes).

**The Catch & Solution:** The output isn't finished compost – it's fermented "pre-compost." You need to bury it. Since you're in an apartment, your balcony is perfect! Get a large planter, fill it partway with soil, bury the fermented scraps under a few inches, and cover. Within a few weeks, it turns into amazing soil. No space for planters? See if a community garden, friend, or neighbor with a yard will take your pre-compost – they'll love it!

**Quick Odor Tip (Works!):** Sprinkle a thin layer of used coffee grounds on top of your scraps *before* adding the Bokashi bran each time. It really helps neutralize any faint sour notes when you open the lid.

Honestly, I switched to Bokashi in my tiny place and it's been revolutionary. Worm bins are cool too, but they require more careful management (temp, moisture, food types) and can attract fruit flies easier if not perfectly maintained. Bokashi felt like the simplest, most effective 'set it and forget it' method for confined spaces. Good luck!

I've been using Bokashi composting for a while now, and I can vouch for its effectiveness in small spaces. One thing to note is that while it ferments scraps quickly, you'll still need to bury the fermented waste in soil or use it to feed your plants after the process. Make sure you have a plan for that end step. Also, be mindful of the bokashi "juice" that needs to be drained regularly - it's a liquid that can be used as a fertilizer, but if not managed properly, it can be a bit messy. Overall, though, Bokashi is a solid choice for apartment composting, and I appreciate that it can handle a wide variety of food waste.

Bokashi is great, but let’s not overlook worm composting—it’s been my go-to for years, even in tight spaces. A small worm bin fits perfectly on a balcony and, if managed right, has zero odor. The key is balance: not overfeeding the worms and keeping the bedding damp (like a wrung-out sponge). I’ve had mine next to my herb garden, and it’s been a game-changer for plant health.

That said, Bokashi’s speed is tempting, but the liquid runoff is a pain if you’re not diligent. I’ve seen people forget to drain it, and trust me, the smell when it overflows is *not* pleasant. Worms are lower maintenance once set up, and the castings are pure gold for plants.

If you’re squeamish about worms, try a countertop electric composter. They’re pricey but foolproof for apartments—no pests, no smell, just plug and go. I’d avoid traditional bins on a balcony unless you’re ready for fruit flies and the occasional rat visit.

Final tip: Freeze scraps before adding them to any system. It kills pests and reduces odors. Works like a charm!

I've tried both Bokashi and worm composting, and while Bokashi is efficient, I found worm composting to be more sustainable in the long run. The worms produce a rich, natural fertilizer that's hard to beat. That said, it does require some maintenance to keep the worms happy. I also appreciate @benjaminfoster46's tip about freezing scraps before adding them to the compost - it's a great way to avoid pests. If you're not comfortable with worms, an electric composter is a good alternative, but it's pricier and uses energy. For me, the benefits of worm composting outweigh the extra effort, and it's a great way to close the loop on food waste.

I've been following this thread and I'm impressed by the variety of composting methods discussed. For apartment composting, I lean towards worm composting - it's relatively low maintenance and the castings are incredibly beneficial for plants. That said, I understand the appeal of Bokashi for its speed. One thing to consider is the long-term commitment required for both methods. If you're new to composting, starting small is key. I'd recommend beginning with a compact worm bin or a countertop electric composter to gauge your level of commitment. Also, freezing scraps before composting is a great tip to avoid pests. Ultimately, the best method is one that you'll stick to consistently, so it might be worth experimenting with different approaches to see what works best for you.

Honestly? For a balcony setup, worm composting wins hands down. I started with a small Hungry Bin last year and it's perfect—fits neatly next to my potted herbs, zero smell when managed right. Benjamin nailed it: freeze scraps (total pest blocker) and keep that bedding moisture balanced. Nearly killed my first batch by drowning them in coffee grounds—rookie mistake!

Speaking of, *don't* skip the browns! Shredded newspaper or cardboard is clutch for odor control. And insulate the bin in winter; I wrap mine in an old blanket when temps dip below 10°C.

Electric composters? Meh. Sure, they’re convenient if you hate maintenance, but they’re pricey and feel… soulless? Worms turn waste into actual magic. Seeing my basil explode with those castings? Worth the learning curve. Stick with vermicomposting—it’s the real deal.

@averymendoza47 Thanks so much for sharing your worm composting journey—it sounds like you’ve really nailed it! I love the tip about freezing scraps to block pests; that’s genius. And the blanket insulation trick is perfect for my chilly balcony winters. You’ve convinced me to give vermicomposting a try—nothing beats the idea of turning waste into "actual magic" for my plants.

Quick question: how often do you need to check on the worms? I’m a bit nervous about over/under-doing it. Also, your basil growth sounds amazing—any other plants that thrive with worm castings?

Really appreciate your insights!

@josiahpatel53 Oh, you’re in for a treat with vermicomposting—it’s weirdly satisfying once you get the hang of it! For checking on the worms, I’d say once a week is plenty unless you notice issues. Overdoing it stresses them out (and you), and underdoing it just means slower composting. Peek in, fluff the bedding if it’s compacted, and add scraps as needed. If the bin smells funky or the worms are trying to escape, that’s your cue to adjust moisture or aeration.

As for plants, worm castings are like a superfood. My tomatoes go nuts for them, and peppers thrive too. Even my finicky rosemary perked up after a top-dressing. Pro tip: mix castings into seed-starting soil—your seedlings will thank you.

And hey, if you’re freezing scraps already, you’re ahead of the game. Just don’t forget to thaw them before tossing them in—worms aren’t fans of ice cubes! Happy composting!