Composting in small spaces

blue_elle

We have a townhome with a small courtyard separating our home and garage. I've been reading about container composting and am interested, but I have some concerns. Since we are in such close proximity to our neighbors I try to be cautious about doing things that will impact them negatively.

How much smell can we expect will come from the bin?

Have you had problems with insects (fruit flies, etc.)?

I see people refer to "finishing" the compost - do you need more than one bin to allow the compost to mature, or can we continue adding to the same one year round?

Lastly, we don't have a garden - what do we do with the compost material once it is ready?

MaggieGrace

If you don't have a garden I wouldn't worry about letting the compost mature or even turning it much.  You're in no rush!  And, it will break down just fine.  You will want to have some dried leaves (browns) nearby to put on top of the kitchen scraps.  There will be no smell coming from the bin.  We had one and the only time it smelled was when I put too few browns in and then I only smelled it while turning it.  Your other option is to get a worm bin.  I have one, and it's fascinating, but it can't keep up with our kitchen waste (family of 4).

When you do need to have compose removed, just ask around.  You'll find someone who will want it.  Or use it to top dress your lawn.  It works wonders! 

uncannycanuck

I have a worm bin. It's just the two of us. A good mix of shredded bills and other paper and our kitchen scraps keeps them happy - and it only need cleaning a couple times a year. If you don't have any flower beds, you can just scatter the compost over grass, use it to mulch trees, or offer it to neighbours/friends/strangers. People that do have a garden will ALWAYS want more compost. When we were in an apartment, I just scattered it over the lawn.

Lisa78

I just saw this at an eco fair. You go have to plug it in, so that energy usage is a negative. But we are moving and will not have a place for our big outdoor composter, but I will still have my container garden. It could be interesting....

pixieprincss

Compost only smells and attracts if the brown to green balance is off and you have to much green. You should be able to have a bin or a ground pile with no smell and no problems.  Since you don't have a garden, I would not do multiple containers--at least for a long time. Then, every year or two post the compost on freecycle and someome will gladly take it. I have several blog entries on composting, if you are interested.