Getting started
How to start backyard composting
A compost bin gives your everyday scraps somewhere useful to go. Start with a manageable routine, then learn from what you see in the pile.
1. Choose a spot you will actually use
Pick a level, well-drained part of your yard with room to reach the lid and harvest opening. Keep the route convenient enough for regular kitchen trips. Think about access during rain or winter, rather than choosing a corner only because it is hidden.
Sun or shade can work. Leave space around the bin and keep water within reach. The EPA’s home composting guide explains the basics of siting a backyard pile.
2. Make room for two kinds of ingredients
Put a small, closed scraps container in your kitchen and keep dry materials close to the outdoor bin. Collect fruit and vegetable trimmings, and keep a supply of dry leaves or torn plain cardboard ready for the next trip outside.
Keep the first few batches simple. The Oregon DEQ backyard composting guide recommends matching the system to the materials you plan to compost. Food scraps need a suitably enclosed, actively maintained system; an open yard-waste pile is a different setup.
3. Add smaller pieces and give them air
Break up tough scraps and tear large pieces of cardboard before adding them. Put coarse dry material at the bottom, mix fresh scraps with browns, and cover exposed food.
An add-as-you-go pile suits a steady household routine. It takes longer than a carefully managed hot batch, and you should not assume it will destroy weed seeds or diseased plant material. Oregon State University Extension describes the differences between these approaches.
4. Make your check-in easy to remember
Pair a quick bin check with a task you already do, such as watering plants. Look for exposed food, a soggy patch, or an unusually dry surface. Keep a small note of what you changed so you can see which adjustments help.
Your bin is a place to observe a natural process. You do not need to chase a perfect temperature reading every day. Choose a maintenance rhythm that you can keep up with.
5. Let finished compost mature
Finished compost should look crumbly and dark, with an earthy smell. Allow a completed batch to mature separately from fresh additions before using it. Screen out large woody pieces and return them to the active bin.
Timing depends on your ingredients and maintenance. Oregon DEQ gives different timelines for actively mixed and slower systems. Treat those as guidance, not a delivery date for your particular bin.
Next, read our guide to greens and browns to make each addition easier.
Written for ordinary outdoor home composting. Ingredient guidance and timing can vary with your climate and setup; linked public resources provide further detail.