5 Myths About Composting That Need to Be Debunked

Composting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce waste, nourish soil, and help the environment—but unfortunately, many people never start because of common misconceptions.

Maybe you’ve heard that composting is smelly, complicated, or takes too much effort. Maybe you’re not sure if you have the space or the right materials. The truth? Composting is easy, manageable, and works in almost any setting—whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or even just a small kitchen.

Let’s break down the 5 biggest myths about composting and uncover the truth behind this incredible natural process.

Myth #1: Composting Smells Bad

🚫 The misconception: “Compost piles stink like rotten food.”

✅ The truth: When done right, composting smells earthy and fresh—like rich soil after rain.

Bad smells happen when there’s too much moisture or not enough airflow, leading to anaerobic decomposition (decomposition without oxygen).

The key to odor-free composting is maintaining a good balance of materials:

🌿 Add “greens” (food scraps) for nutrients

🍂 Add “browns” (dry leaves, paper, cardboard) to absorb moisture🌬 Turn your compost occasionally to keep it aerated

💡 Pro Tip: If your compost smells bad, add more dry materials (browns) and give it a quick turn to let in fresh air.

Myth #2: Composting is Only for People with Big Gardens

🚫 The misconception: “You need a big backyard to compost.”

✅ The truth: Composting works in small spaces too, even in apartments.

You don’t need a large outdoor compost pile to make an impact.

Small-space composting options include:

🪱 Vermicomposting – Composting with worms indoors (perfect for small homes).

🥡 Bokashi composting – Uses fermentation to break down food waste with no smell.

⚡ Electric composters – Speed up decomposition in compact, mess-free bins.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have space for a compost bin, you can join a compost collection service (like The Compost Kitchen) and let someone else turn your food waste into nutrient-rich compost!

Myth #3: Composting Takes Too Long

🚫 The misconception: “It takes years to get usable compost.”

✅ The truth: You can get compost in as little as 2-3 months with proper care.

Yes, some compost piles take longer to break down, but if you keep your pile moist, aerated, and well-balanced, you can have usable compost much faster.

🔥 Want to speed things up?

• Chop food scraps into smaller pieces to help them decompose faster.

• Keep a good balance of greens and browns to maintain high activity.

• Turn the compost regularly to provide oxygen and prevent clumping.

💡 Pro Tip: Vermicomposting (composting with worms) can break down food scraps in just a few weeks!

Myth #4: You Can Only Compost Fruit & Veggie Scraps

🚫 The misconception: “Only plant-based scraps can go in compost.”

✅ The truth: Many other everyday items are compostable!

While meat, dairy, and oily foods should be avoided in traditional compost piles, you can compost:

✔ Coffee grounds & tea bags (just remove plastic tea bags)

✔ Eggshells (crushed for faster breakdown)

✔ Shredded paper & cardboard (as long as it’s not glossy or coated)

✔ Nut shells & citrus peels (they take longer but are great for compost)

✔ Hair & pet fur (adds nitrogen to the pile)

💡 Pro Tip: If you use a Bokashi composting system, you can compost meat, dairy, and cooked foods!

Myth #5: Composting Attracts Pests

🚫 The misconception: “Compost will bring rats, flies, and cockroaches.”

✅ The truth: A well-maintained compost bin won’t attract pests.

Pests are drawn to exposed food waste, so the key is keeping your compost properly covered and balanced.

🐀 How to prevent pests in compost:

✔ Bury food scraps deep in the pile instead of leaving them on top.

✔ Avoid meat, dairy, and oily foods in open compost bins.

✔ Keep a lid on your compost bin (or use an enclosed system like Bokashi).

✔ Maintain proper airflow and dryness—soggy compost can attract flies.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re composting in a small space, use a sealed system like a worm bin or Bokashi to keep everything contained and pest-free!

The Truth About Composting: It’s Easier Than You Think!

If you’ve ever hesitated to start composting because of these myths, now you know the truth:

✅ Composting doesn’t smell bad when done correctly.

✅ You don’t need a big space—there are small-space options for everyone.

✅ It doesn’t take forever—with the right conditions, composting is quick!

✅ You can compost more than just food scraps, including paper and natural fibers.

✅ Pests aren’t a problem if you manage your compost properly.

Composting is one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce food waste and help the planet. No matter where you live, there’s a composting solution for you.

🌱 Ready to start? Join The Compost Kitchen and turn your food waste into something meaningful!