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A report by Amateur Gardening says people without gardens can compost food scraps using a small bin, a wormery or a countertop Bokashi system. The methods differ in space and setup, and the report says a wormery may produce compost in eight to 12 weeks.
People without gardens can compost food scraps in a small balcony bin, a wormery or a countertop Bokashi system, according to a report by Amateur Gardening. The advice offers options for flat-dwellers and others with limited outdoor space, while noting that a shared ground-level site may also work.
Chris Collins, writing for Amateur Gardening, says he has composted in a central London flat and uses a 20-litre container on his balcony. He describes mixing roughly equal amounts of “brown” material, such as shredded paper, and “green” material, such as kitchen waste. The report does not specify how often to turn or empty this small bin.
A wormery, or vermiculture system, is another option. Collins describes making one from three stacking trays: two trays have holes in their bases and sides for drainage and airflow, while the bottom tray has no holes. Stones can create a gap between the lower trays. The upper tray is started with damp soil, compost or shredded paper, then receives food scraps and worms. The report says brandling, red or tiger worms are available from fishing shops.
For an indoor system, the report suggests Bokashi composting, which uses a sealed, airtight container and an inoculant such as bran. It describes the process as anaerobic, meaning it takes place without oxygen. The treated material is “pre-compost,” according to the report, and can be placed at the bottom of plant containers to break down further.
Composting Options for Small Homes
These approaches can give people with no garden a way to handle some food scraps at home and produce material for pots and planters. The options also differ in where they can be kept: a small bin may fit on a balcony, while a sealed Bokashi bucket is designed for a kitchen counter. A wormery needs a suitable place for its stacked trays and regular feeding.
For residents who cannot keep equipment at home, the report points to shared composting space, including a community area or car park at ground level. A residents’ scheme could let neighbours contribute organic waste together. The article presents this as a possible arrangement, not as a service already available in every building or community.
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Three Routes Beyond Garden Bins
The report focuses on adapting composting to limited space rather than replacing conventional garden composting. Collins’s example is a small balcony bin; the wormery uses stacked containers, and Bokashi keeps the process in a sealed vessel indoors. Each produces or treats scraps differently, so the available space and the type of setup a household can maintain shape the choice.
For the wormery, Amateur Gardening says small pieces of vegetable peelings, crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags and torn egg boxes can be added, with a roughly 50:50 balance of greens and browns. It advises chopping ingredients into small pieces. The report estimates that crumbly worm compost may appear in a middle tray after eight to 12 weeks; it also says liquid may collect in the bottom tray and can be used as plant fertiliser when diluted.
The article treats leafmould as a separate project: well-rotted leaves can be mixed into potting compost, but leaves are best composted separately. It suggests storing damp leaves in loosely tied black plastic sacks for a year or two, if space is available, and says to get the landowner’s permission before collecting them.
““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 Details and Local Access
The report does not give a publication date or detailed operating instructions for every system. It does not state how much waste a 20-litre bin can process, how often it needs attention, or the conditions under which a wormery will produce compost within the quoted eight-to-12-week period. Results may depend on the setup and what is added, but the source does not quantify those factors.
It is also unclear whether a particular flat’s landlord, building rules or local authority permits a balcony wormery or shared composting area. The article suggests asking about community space but does not identify specific sites or provide local service information. Readers should check the rules and practical arrangements where they live before setting up a shared system.
Choose a Suitable Local Setup
The next step is to match the method to the space available: a small bin for a balcony, a wormery where stacked trays can be kept, or an airtight Bokashi container for a countertop. The report points readers seeking Bokashi guidance to Garden Organic and says its website also has more composting information.
People considering communal composting can ask neighbours, building managers or a landowner whether a ground-level site is available and who would manage it. Any leaf collection should be done with the landowner’s permission. The source does not list a confirmed timeline for new community schemes or say that any particular shared site is being planned.
Key Questions
Can I compost food scraps without a garden?
Yes. Amateur Gardening describes using a small balcony bin, a wormery or an indoor Bokashi container. A community composting site is another option where one is available.
How long does a wormery take to produce compost?
The report says crumbly worm compost may collect in the middle tray after eight to 12 weeks. This is the source’s estimate, not a guaranteed timeframe for every wormery.
What can I put in a wormery?
The report lists vegetable peelings, crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags and torn egg boxes. It recommends chopping ingredients into small pieces and balancing greens with browns at roughly 50:50.
What is Bokashi composting?
Bokashi is described in the report as a sealed, anaerobic process that uses an airtight bin and an inoculant, such as bran. The treated material is pre-compost and can continue breaking down in the bottom of a plant container.
Can I collect leaves for leafmould near my flat?
The report says well-rotted leaves can be added to potting compost and suggests storing damp leaves in loosely tied black sacks for a year or two. It also says to get the landowner’s permission before collecting leaves.
Source: amateurgardening.com
