Using a compost bin or pile at home is a great way to decrease the volume of household trash sent to the landfill, while creating nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Plus, starting your own compost pile at home is simple. If you have a backyard, find a dry, shady spot close to a natural water source to create your compost pile. Or, simply use a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid.
You’ll need three main basic ingredients to make your compost—think of them as greens, browns, and water. Greens include certain types of food trash, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as grass clippings. (Food trash and gardening waste account for more than 28 percent of what we throw away.) Browns can be old coffee grounds, twigs, or dead leaves. Try to maintain equal parts of browns and greens, and create layers of material in different sizes. Just add a little water every time you add to your compost bin or pile—the moisture will promote decomposition.