Think composting is only for folks with big yards and backyard bins? Think again. Whether you're in a fifth-floor walk-up, a compact studio, or a rental where every inch counts, composting is doable. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll show you how to start composting in your apartment, what tools you’ll need, and how to keep your space clean and odor-free.

1. Explore Your Local Composting Options

Start by checking if your city or town offers access to industrial composting. Many communities now offer curbside compost pickup or have designated local drop-off points. For example, cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland offer curbside green waste bins where residents can toss everything from vegetable peels to pizza boxes. These services are part of a growing movement to reduce landfill waste and return nutrients to the soil. 

You can also look into private composting subscription services. These typically offer scheduled pickups and, in some cases, return finished compost to subscribers. Each option varies in cost, convenience, and what they accept, so choose what works best for your lifestyle and space. If you’re unsure where to begin, check your city’s waste management website or use tools like FindAComposter.com to search by ZIP code.

2. Know What You Can (and Can’t) Compost

Before collecting food scraps, find out what your local program accepts. Most industrial composting facilities can handle items that home systems cannot, like certified compostable packaging and food service products. Keep in mind that not all “biodegradable” items are compostable. Look for BPI-certified labels to ensure they’ll break down in a composting facility. At Matter, we believe that peace of mind should be a standard feature in every kitchen product. That’s why we created a collection of plant-based, compostable items that work just as hard as traditional plastic without the environmental and health risks.

If your city only accepts food waste, stick to fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and grains. Avoid adding animal products, oily foods, or synthetic materials unless your local service says otherwise.

It’s also helpful to keep a printed or bookmarked list of compostable items in your kitchen as a quick reference, especially if you live with roommates or family members. This minimizes confusion and helps everyone stick to the rules.

If you're not sure where to start, Matter has a simple “What Can I Compost List” on our Composting 101 page. It's designed to be beginner-friendly and includes common items you can compost at home or through a pickup service.

When in doubt about whether something can be composted, it’s better to leave it out. Contamination can cause entire batches of compost to be discarded, especially at industrial facilities.

3. Best Home Composting Bins & Appliances

Once you know where your compost is going, pick a container to collect scraps. Look for something that seals well to keep things tidy and smell-free. Electric composters such as Lomi and the Vitamix FoodCycler are compact countertop appliances that break down food scraps in just a few hours using heat and filtration. Devices like these can be more expensive but offer a convenient, odor-controlled option that requires minimal effort.

If you are using a drop-off site or a pickup service, a simple countertop bin may be all you need. Stainless steel bins with charcoal filters, like those from Epica or OXO, are easy to clean and resist odors over time. Plastic bins, such as Bamboozle or Black+Decker, are other options. The best choice depends on your routine, your budget, and how much space you have. The most important thing is to choose a system that feels simple enough to stick with. You don’t need to overthink it. What matters most is that it becomes part of your daily routine and feels like a habit you can maintain long-term.

4. Composting in Small Spaces is Possible

Living in a tiny apartment doesn’t mean your food scraps are doomed for the trash. With a little creativity and the right setup, composting can be clean, simple, and surprisingly satisfying. 

If you cook often, try keeping a small bin near your prep area so it’s easy to toss scraps as you go. For those with roommates or shared kitchens, label your bin and empty it regularly to avoid confusion or build-up. If you're concerned about smells or pests, freeze your food waste in a reusable container or silicone bag and drop it off once a week.

Whether you’re handing off your scraps to a curbside program, dropping them off at a local site, or partnering with a pickup service, you’re giving your leftovers a second life. Composting helps reduce methane emissions in landfills, enriches soil, and closes the loop on our food system. Start small, stay consistent, and know that every banana peel counts.