How to Start a Compost Bin at Home (Beginner’s Guide)

A simple and rewarding way to reduce waste and build healthier soil—no fancy setup required.

If you’ve been tossing kitchen scraps and wondering if there’s a better way to use them—there is. First, think of where else you can use your scraps before you put them in the compost pile. For example, if there are any vegetable scraps, I like to put those aside to eventually make a vegetable broth. If I have excess, then I’ll put it aside for the compost bin.

Learning how to make a compost bin is one of the most approachable, affordable things you can do to build healthier soil and reduce your household waste at the same time. You don’t need a huge homestead or an expensive tumbler to get one set up. Actually, I don’t recommend a tumbler at all. I have a relatively inexpensive one, and it just didn’t seem to work out well. Whether you’ve got a sunny backyard corner or a small space behind your shed, this is easy composting for beginners—and I’ll walk you through it, step by step.

This post is all about how to start a compost bin.

What Is Compost?

Compost is decomposed organic matter. The organic matter that I’m referring to are things like vegetable peels, leaves, coffee grounds, and grass clippings—that break down into a rich, dark material we call “black gold.” Compost is packed with nutrients, helps your garden soil retain moisture, improves drainage, and helps to grow healthier plants. Composting is nature’s way of recycling—and with a compost bin, you can make it happen right at home.

It’s a really sustainable way to reduce the amount of waste you’re sending to the landfill. Because honestly there’s probably quite a bit that can stay right at home for you to reuse completely!

What are the Benefits of Compost?

There are so many benefits to compost and including it in your garden. Let’s take a look at what those benefits are.
Composting is one of those simple habits that gives back in a big way. At its core, it’s a natural process—organic scraps and yard waste breaking down into a rich, dark material that can breathe new life into your garden soil. Who would’ve through that could come from veggie scraps?!

Improves the Texture and Structure of Soil

First, your soil will thank you. Compost improves the texture and structure of just about any type of soil. It helps sandy soil hold onto moisture, loosens up heavy clay, and supports the kind of healthy microbial activity that makes plants stronger and more disease-resistant. That means fewer store-bought fertilizers, less guesswork, and more nutrient-rich beds for your vegetables and flowers. Overall, it leads to a healthier garden. Compost adds slow-release nutrients and beneficial microbes to your soil.

Reduces Kitchen Waste

It’s also a great way to reduce kitchen waste—things like fruit peels, coffee grounds, and veggie scraps that would otherwise end up in the trash. Up to 30% of what we throw away can be composted. When those materials go to the landfill, they don’t break down the same way. They create methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. But in your compost bin, they become a resource. You’re turning what would have been waste into something truly useful.

Connects the Gardener to the Land

There’s also something really satisfying about being part of that natural cycle. It’s a quiet, behind-the-scenes process, but over time you’ll see the difference in your garden—and you’ll feel it too. Composting connects you a little more closely to the land you’re caring for. And if you’re gardening with kids, it’s a great hands-on way to teach about sustainability and stewardship.

It’s Simple!

Lastly, there’s the simplicity of it all. No fancy tools required, no need to overthink it. Just scraps, a bit of turning, and some patience.

What to Compost (And What Not To)

Not everything can be composted and then put into the garden. Let’s take a look at the chart I’ve put together as to what can be composted and what can’t be and further explore that topic.

Why These Items Shouldn’t Go in Your Compost Bin

I’ve elaborated a bit further below than what’s shown in the chart. When it comes to composting, not everything organic belongs in your pile. Some items can attract pests, introduce toxins, or simply won’t break down properly in a home compost setup. Here’s why the items below are best kept out of your bin:

Meat, fish, and bones

These decompose very slowly and release strong odors as they break down. That smell can attract rodents, raccoons, and other animals to your compost pile—not something most of us want in the garden.

Cheese and dairy products

Dairy, like meat, goes rancid quickly and doesn’t break down well in low-temperature home compost systems. It also causes odors and can throw off the balance of your pile.

Fats, oils, and grease

These coat organic material and reduce airflow in your pile, which slows decomposition. They can also cause your compost to go anaerobic (smelly and slimy), which defeats the whole purpose.

Cooked food (small amounts are fine)

Cooked foods often contain oils, butter, salt, or sauces that make them unsuitable for home composting. A small amount of plain rice or vegetables is fine, but avoid anything seasoned or greasy.

Compostable foodservice ware and compostable bags

Even though they’re labeled “compostable,” most of these items require high heat at a commercial composting facility. They won’t break down properly in a backyard pile and may just linger for months.

Herbicide-treated plants and grass

Herbicides can survive the composting process and end up harming your plants when you use the finished compost. If you’ve sprayed anything with weed killer, it’s best to leave it out.

Aggressive weeds or weeds with seeds

Weeds that spread by runners (like bindweed) or contain seeds can survive composting and spread right back into your garden when you apply the compost later. Only add weeds before they flower or seed—if at all.

Diseased or pest-infested plants

Adding these to your pile can spread the problem. Most home compost piles don’t get hot enough to kill plant diseases or pests, so it’s safer to trash or burn them.

Treated or painted wood

Chemicals from paints, stains, and pressure treatments can leach into your compost and end up in your garden soil. Only add untreated, raw wood like small branches or sawdust from clean lumber.

Pet waste and cat litter

Dog and cat waste may contain harmful bacteria and parasites. It’s not safe for compost used in gardens used for growing food.

Dryer lint

Most dryer lint contains synthetic fibers from clothing, which won’t break down. Unless you wear 100% natural fibers, it’s best to toss it in the trash.

Glossy paper

Shiny magazines, catalogs, and colorful flyers are often coated in plastic or clay-based finishes that don’t decompose well. These types of materials may contain harmful inks or chemicals.

Produce stickers

Those tiny stickers are made of plastic, even it comes on organic fruit. They won’t break down in compost. Always peel them off and toss them in the trash.

How to Make a Compost Bin (Step-by-Step)

You don’t need to buy anything fancy. Here’s how to build a simple compost bin that works for most backyards:

Choose a spot – Ideally in a shady area with good drainage and easy access.
Pick your bin style – You can build one from wood pallets, use a large storage tote with holes, or even repurpose a trash can.
Add air holes – If using a tote or trash bin, drill 6–10 holes on the sides and bottom for airflow and drainage.
Layer greens and browns – Alternate “green” materials (wet, nitrogen-rich like veggie scraps) with “brown” materials (dry, carbon-rich like leaves or paper).
Keep it damp—not soggy – Like a wrung-out sponge. Add water if it’s too dry.
Stir it up – Use a garden fork or shovel to turn the pile once a week. This helps oxygen reach all layers and speeds up decomposition.

Easy Composting for Beginners: Tips & Troubleshooting

In case you’re having some issues with your compost, I’ve written down a few issues you might run into, how to troubleshoot the issue, and remedy it.

Smells bad? Add more browns (dry stuff).
Too dry? Lightly sprinkle with water.
Not breaking down? Turn it more often, chop scraps smaller, or add more greens.
No yard? Try a worm bin or countertop compost pail with local drop-off.

When Is It Ready?

Finished compost is dark, crumbly, and smells like earth. Depending on temperature and materials, it can take 2–6 months. You can mix it into garden beds, sprinkle it around plants, or use it in potting mixes.

Final Thoughts

Starting a compost bin doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature—just like saving seeds or planning your spring garden.

If you’ve been thinking about how to make a compost bin, let this be your sign to give it a try. It’s one small change that makes a big difference over time.

This post was all about how to start a compost bin.