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A report by Amateur Gardening describes ways to compost food scraps without a garden, including a small balcony bin, a wormery and countertop bokashi. It also suggests using shared outdoor space and says a wormery may produce crumbly compost in eight to 12 weeks; results and suitable materials depend on the system.
Amateur Gardening has outlined three ways people without a garden can compost food scraps: a small bin on a balcony, a wormery, or a countertop bokashi system. For gardeners looking for other options, see these compost bins for kitchen and garden. The report also points to shared outdoor spaces as an option, offering flat-dwellers ways to manage organic waste and make material for container plants without a traditional garden compost heap.
Chris Collins, writing from his experience living in a central London flat, says he uses a 20-litre compost bin on his balcony. He describes mixing equal amounts of “brown” material, such as shredded paper, and “green” material, such as kitchen waste. This is a practical example from the report, not a guarantee that every container or mix will work the same way.
A wormery is another compact option. The report says a basic version can be made from three stacking trays: two trays have holes for aeration and drainage, while the bottom tray remains unperforated to collect liquid. The upper working tray is started with damp soil, compost or shredded paper, then kitchen scraps and worms. Collins says suitable worms, including brandling, red or tiger worms, can be bought from fishing shops.
For indoor use, the report recommends considering bokashi composting where an outdoor wormery is not practical or allowed. It uses an airtight container and an inoculant such as bran in a closed, oxygen-free process. The treated material is described as “pre-compost” and can be placed at the bottom of plant containers to break down further. The report also suggests checking whether a community space or ground-level car park can host bins suitable for hard surfaces, much like choosing a compost tumbler suited to a particular setting.
Options for Flats and Small Homes
For people who lack a yard, composting can otherwise seem to require space they do not have. The methods in the report show that food scraps can be handled at a smaller scale, potentially producing compost or material for pots and planters. A wormery or countertop bin may fit where an outdoor heap cannot, while shared composting can spread the space and maintenance across residents.
These approaches also involve different practical demands. A wormery needs suitable conditions and a balanced feed; bokashi requires a sealed container and inoculant, and its treated contents need further breakdown. Community bins require agreement and participation. The report presents these as options rather than a single solution for every household.
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Small-Scale Methods in the Report
The guidance comes from an article on the Amateur Gardening website by Chris Collins, who writes that he has lived in a central London flat for many years. His balcony-bin example draws on that experience. The supplied source does not give a publication date, so the timing of the advice cannot be specified more precisely here.
The report distinguishes conventional small-bin composting from bokashi. It describes bokashi as an anaerobic pre-treatment, not a finished compost-making process on its own: treated material can continue to rot down in a container. It also notes that leaves are better composted separately as leafmould. Its suggested method is to put wet leaves in loosely tied black plastic sacks and leave them for a year or two, with permission from the landowner before collecting leaves.
“I’ve lived in a central London flat for many years, so I know what it’s like to make compost in a tight space.”
— Chris Collins, writing for Amateur Gardening
Setup, Timing and Local Rules
The source does not specify how much food waste a 20-litre bin or a particular wormery can handle, or how often each system needs attention. Its eight-to-12-week estimate for worm compost is guidance from the article, and the time needed may vary with conditions and use. The report does not provide detailed instructions for managing every type of kitchen waste, so readers should check the requirements of their chosen system before adding materials.
It is also not clear whether a given landlord, building manager or council permits a balcony bin, wormery or shared composting site. Residents considering a communal setup would need to check access, responsibilities and local arrangements. The report advises seeking the landowner’s permission before collecting leaves for leafmould.
Choosing a Suitable Composting Route
People interested in trying one of the methods can start by checking what their home allows and how much space is available. A balcony may accommodate a small bin; a household that wants a contained system can look into a wormery or bokashi container. For shared space, residents can ask building managers or neighbours whether a suitable site and a clear routine for adding waste are possible.
The report directs readers to Garden Organic for further information about bokashi and composting. Any household starting a system will need to follow the instructions for its specific bin or inoculant, monitor how it is working, and confirm local rules for shared or outdoor installations.
Key Questions
Can I compost if I do not have a garden?
Yes. The Amateur Gardening report describes a small balcony bin, a wormery and countertop bokashi as options, and also suggests looking into shared outdoor space.
How long does a wormery take to make compost?
The report says crumbly worm compost may appear after eight to 12 weeks. This is an estimate, and the source does not state that every wormery will produce compost on that schedule.
What can I put in a wormery?
The report lists chopped vegetable peelings, crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags and torn-up egg boxes. It recommends maintaining an approximate equal mix of green and brown materials.
Is bokashi the same as finished compost?
No. The article describes bokashi as a closed, oxygen-free pre-compost treatment. It says the treated material can be placed at the bottom of containers to break down further.
Can I use fallen leaves in a small compost bin?
The report recommends composting leaves separately as leafmould, using loosely tied bags and leaving them for a year or two. It says to get the landowner’s permission before collecting leaves.
Source: amateurgardening.com
