How to Compost at Home Without Smell: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

Composting at home is a fantastic way to reduce waste, enrich your garden(if you have one), contribute to a healthier planet and create a zero-waste kitchen. However, one of the biggest concerns people have when starting is the potential for unpleasant smells. The good news is that with the right techniques, you can learn how to compost at home without smell. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, actionable steps to create a clean, odor-free composting system that works for any home, whether you have a backyard or live in a small apartment.

Why Does Compost Smell?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why compost might smell in the first place. Composting is a natural process where organic materials like food scraps and yard waste break down into nutrient-rich soil. When done correctly, this process should produce a pleasant, earthy smell. However, bad odors can occur if:

1. The compost is too wet or lacks proper aeration.
2. There’s an imbalance between “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials like food scraps) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials like dry leaves or paper).
3. Certain items, like meat or dairy, are added to the compost, which can attract pests and create foul smells.

Now that we know the causes, let’s explore how to compost at home without smell.

Step 1: Choose the Right Composting Method

The first step to odor-free composting is selecting the method that works best for your living situation. Here are a few options:

1. Outdoor Compost Bin: If you have a backyard, an outdoor compost bin is a great choice. Look for a bin with a lid to keep pests out and odors contained. Tumbling composters are especially effective because they make it easy to mix the compost and maintain proper aeration. VIVOSUN’s Outdoor Tumbling Composter is a great option if you need a ready out of the box solution.

2. Indoor Compost Bin: For those in apartments or homes without outdoor space, an indoor compost bin is a convenient option. Choose a bin with a charcoal filter to trap odors, and consider vermicomposting (using worms) for faster decomposition. Here are my two favorite options: EPICA’s Countertop Compost Bin and Vermihut’s Worm Composter.

3. Bokashi Composting: This method uses a special bran to ferment food scraps in an airtight container. It’s ideal for small spaces and produces minimal odor. I have not tried this option myself but always heard good things about how effective this method was. If you want to try this method, you can buy the Indoor Composter Starter Kit here.

Whether you’re using an outdoor compost bin, an indoor compost bin, or trying Bokashi composting, it’s important to choose the method that works best for your living situation. For a detailed guide on composting methods and tips, check out the EPA’s Composting at Home guide.

Step 2: Maintain the Right Balance of Greens and Browns

One of the most common reasons for smelly compost is an imbalance between greens and browns. Greens are wet, nitrogen-rich materials like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings. Browns are dry, carbon-rich materials like shredded paper, cardboard, and dry leaves.

To keep your compost odor-free, aim for a ratio of about 2-3 parts browns to 1 part greens. If you’re curious about odor-free indoor composting, greenmatters offers a detailed explanation. If your compost starts to smell, it’s often because there are too many greens. Simply add more browns to absorb excess moisture and neutralize odors.

Step 3: Chop and Layer Your Materials

Large chunks of food or yard waste take longer to break down and can create pockets of anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions, which lead to bad smells. To avoid this, chop your materials into smaller pieces before adding them to the compost.

When adding materials, layer greens and browns to create a balanced mix. For example, start with a layer of browns, then add a layer of greens, and repeat. This layering technique helps maintain proper airflow and prevents odors.

Step 4: Keep Your Compost Aerated

Aeration is key to odor-free composting. Without enough oxygen, the composting process can become anaerobic, leading to unpleasant smells. Here’s how to keep your compost well-aerated:

• Turn the Pile Regularly: If you’re using an outdoor compost bin, use a pitchfork or compost aerator to turn the pile every 1-2 weeks. This helps mix the materials and introduce oxygen.
• Use a Tumbling Composter: Tumbling composters make aeration easy. Just give the bin a spin every few days.
• Drill Holes in Indoor Bins: If you’re using an indoor bin, make sure it has ventilation holes to allow airflow.

Step 5: Avoid Adding Problematic Items

Certain items should never go into your compost if you want to avoid smells. These include:

• Meat, fish, and dairy products (eggs are not dairy!)
• Greasy or oily foods
• Pet waste
• Diseased plants

Stick to fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, yard waste, and other compost-friendly materials. For a full list of what to compost and what to avoid, check out NRDC’s Composting 101.

Step 6: Manage Moisture Levels

Too much moisture can cause your compost to become soggy and smelly. On the other hand, if it’s too dry, the decomposition process will slow down. Aim for a moisture level similar to a wrung-out sponge—damp but not dripping.

If your compost is too wet, add more browns like shredded paper or dry leaves to absorb the excess moisture. If it’s too dry, sprinkle a little water over the pile and mix it in.

Step 7: Use Odor-Absorbing Additives

If you’re still worried about smells, consider using natural odor-absorbing additives. Here are a few options:

• Charcoal: Add a small amount of activated charcoal to your compost to neutralize odors.
• Bokashi Bran: This fermented bran can be sprinkled over food scraps to speed up decomposition and reduce smells.
• Garden Lime: A sprinkle of garden lime can help balance the pH of your compost and prevent odors.

Step 8: Keep Your Compost Covered

Whether you’re composting indoors or outdoors, keeping your compost covered is essential for odor control. Use a lid, tarp, or layer of browns to cover the compost and trap any potential smells.

Step 9: Harvest Your Compost Regularly

Finished compost has a pleasant, earthy smell and is ready to use in your garden. To prevent odors, harvest your compost regularly and start a new batch. If you’re using a tumbling composter, empty it every few months. For traditional compost piles, harvest the finished compost from the bottom of the pile.

Step 10: Troubleshoot Common Problems

If you notice any unpleasant smells, don’t panic! Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:

• Rotten or Sour Smell: This usually means the compost is too wet or lacks oxygen. Add more browns and turn the pile to improve aeration.
• Ammonia Smell: An ammonia-like odor indicates too many greens. Add more browns to balance the mix.
• Pests or Flies: If pests are attracted to your compost, make sure it’s covered and avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to compost at home without smell is all about balance, aeration, and proper maintenance. By following these simple steps, you can create a clean, odor-free composting system that benefits both your home and the environment. Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll also produce nutrient-rich compost to nourish your garden.

If you’re looking for more tips and tricks to perfect your composting process, The Old Farmer’s Almanac composting guide is a fantastic resource.