Myths and facts about food waste composting

Separating food waste and composting may feel too burdensome for a lot of people - and understandably so. However, composting isn’t only for people with a house with a spacious backyard, the heart to grow worms in a bucket, and the care to toss and turn the compost container around every few days. 

Myth: You need access to the outside composting area of your own. 

Composting while living in a small apartment is actually easier than doing it in your backyard - because you don’t have to do it yourself! Look into curb-side composting or consider community composting sites. According to Green Blue, most US cities offer composting access to residents, either through municipally- or privately-run programs. (California has the world’s largest composting program, and even New York City has started a city-wide composting program.) These cities have a combined population of 131,132,443 people, representing approximately 40% of the US population. So the chances are you'll find something near your home if you live in an urban area. 

Fact: Decomposing food waste can produce unpleasant odors and attract pests.

Odors and fruitflies are the biggest reasons why many people stop composting. It's understandable, especially if you have a fairly tight space and tried many methods - airtight jars, compost freezing, and even machines. The key is to invest in compost bins that trap odor completely and empty the bin frequently. If you can take the food scrap out twice a week, then a dependable composting bin should take care of the rest. 

Myth: Composting can get dirty, leading to stained countertops and messy garbage bin areas.

The most unfair thing people say about composting is that it makes your kitchen dirty! Composting should make your kitchen cleaner and fresher as long as the food waste is collected and stowed away in a bin that completely isolates it from the kitchen environment. Use compostable bags in the leak-proof food waste bin to double the protection. Because you are no longer throwing food waste in the trash, your garbage area should stay clean and odor-free for many more days. 

Fact: Compost pail can be unsightly and may not match your Farmhouse, Hampton-vibe, Cottage core, or Industrial kitchen aesthetic.

A ceramic jar with leaf painting might not go with your immaculate, clean cabinet line, and a plastic or bamboo compost bin might not sit well with your stainless steel appliances and butcher’s block countertop. If you are looking for a more discrete, polished option, stainless steel is a great choice - its non-porous surface doesn’t let odor particles escape, so beauty is, indeed, function. 

For more tips and tricks on how to start composting, check out our blog about easy steps for food separations.