Home composting

What is composting (and why it matters)

Home composting: a natural process that turns garden and some types of food waste into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. Done in a special bin or heap in your garden, it relies on air and natural organisms to break down materials.

Anaerobic Digestion (AD): this is the industrial process we’ll use from 31 March 2026 to deal with the food waste you put in your new green bin (link to page). Instead of air, AD uses sealed tanks without oxygen. Microorganisms break food waste down to produce renewable energy (biogas) and a natural fertiliser (digestate).

The difference:

• Home composting: small scale, aerobic (with air), gives you compost for your garden.
• Anaerobic Digestion: large scale, anaerobic (no air), creates renewable energy and fertiliser for wider use.

Why do it at home?

• Cuts down on the amount of waste collected from your home.
• Gives you free compost to improve your garden.
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from waste going to landfill or incineration.

This video from Recycle Now is a great way to introduce children to composting and the processes involved:

How to compost at home

• Choose your spot – a level, sunny, well-drained patch of ground works best.
• Get a bin – you can buy one, build your own, or create a simple heap. The Get Composting website has multiple options for you to choose from, or visit your local garden centre for advice.
• Add the right mix:
  • Greens: fruit and veg peelings, coffee grounds, tea bags, grass cuttings.
  • Browns: cardboard, paper, twigs, leaves, straw.
• Avoid problems – no cooked food, meat, dairy, or oily leftovers (they attract pests).
• Keep it balanced – alternate greens and browns, mix now and again, and keep it moist but not soggy.
• Be patient – compost can take 9 to 12 months to mature. When it’s dark, crumbly, and earthy smelling, it’s ready to use.

Keep exploring

Here are some useful links if you’re in the journey to learn about home composting:

The Centre for Alternative Technology Charity (CAT) is an internationally renowned environmental charity, a world-leading eco centre, and one of the foremost providers of postgraduate environmental education in the UK.

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. They aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.

The National Trust is the Europe’s largest conservation charity, looking after nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy.