Composting 101:

Learn to Compost in 5 Steps!


Step 1: Get a Bin!

There are many different ways to set up a compost bin. Here are a few easy and versatile suggestions. Pick the one that fits your family best!

Option 1: Buy a Bin

There are great bins for sale online or in stores. You can find one that works best for you, but here’s my suggestion for a quality bin on Amazon: VIVOSUN Tumbling Composter


Option 2: DIY Small Scale

You can make an easy compost bin out of a 5-gallon bucket. Just drill a few holes in the bottom and lid to let any liquid drain out, place the bucket outside, and start composting!


Option 3: DIY Large Scale

You can make a compost area of any size in your yard by using wood or pallets to mark a spot for your compost to go.


Keep a smaller food scrap container in your kitchen for easy access and take it outside to your bin whenever it’s full.

Step 2: Collect Your Compostables!

What can you put in your compost bin? Here are some great examples:

  • Fruits and veggies

  • Coffee grounds and tea bags

  • Shredded newspaper, cardboard, and paper

  • Yard trimmings, leaves, and plants

  • Sawdust and woodchips

  • Hay and straw

  • Cotton and wool

  • Hair and fur

  • Fireplace ashes

Click below for a printable version of this list to put by your kitchen bin!

Composting Cheat Sheet


Be aware of a few items to avoid as well:

  • Dairy products

  • Oils and fats

  • Meat, fish, or bones

  • Bread or other cooked food

  • Plant material with disease or chemical pesticides (it’s not a bad idea to avoid material with herbicides as well)

  • Coal or charcoal

  • Pet waste

Step 3: Add Your Compostables!

You can add materials to your compost bin as you collect them.

"Green" = "Brown": One thing you'll want to keep in mind is that your “green” materials -- wet things such as food scraps or grass clippings -- and your “brown” materials -- dry things such as fallen leaves or paper -- should be in approximately equal amounts. So, if you add a layer of fruit peels, try throwing some dry leaves in too.

As you add materials, you’ll want to mix them into the pile, especially your “green” materials.


Avoid starting your compost in late fall, as it will take longer to decompose during the winter.

Step 4: Care for Your Compost!

Moisture Control: You’ll want to keep your compost moist, like a squeezed-out sponge. Covering your pile in dry leaves or a tarp will help, and you can add water to the bin if it’s looking dry.

If your compost isn’t decomposing, you probably need to add more moisture. If you have water leaking out of the bin, you should add more dry materials - try mixing in some dry leaves.

Mixing: To help your compost decompose, mix the pile once every week or two. A pitchfork or similar tool is good for this.

Keep in mind that healthy compost won’t smell bad. If yours starts to, mix the pile more often - your compost needs more air!

Step 5: Use Your Compost!

Your compost is ready to use when it’s dark brown or black in color, crumbly, and earthy-smelling. This usually takes about 6-12 months, but there are ways to speed up the process.

Speeding Up: You can add the occasional layer of fertilizer or manure to speed up your compost process. There is also ‘compost starter’ that you can add every few months to help your compost along: Dr. Earth Compost Starter

If you have a garden, you can use your compost there. You can also use your compost in potted plants, around the base of trees, or on your lawn.

Congrats! Your compost will help your plants grow better, keep the soil healthy, and reduce your carbon footprint!

Content produced by Green Iowa AmeriCorps member Emma Sliwinski.

Green Iowa AmeriCorps