A Newbie Question about composting

Hi everyone,

A community in our building is considering making our own compost but since we are new, we are not sure if it will work in Chicago.

We are thinking of getting an outdoor tumbler-type of composting bin to leave out in our backyard, would it work with the winter here? Is it worth investing in a bin at this time of the year?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

Peace, Matthew

We've been composting for years. We have a big black box in our alley, but the tumbler types are probably preferable. You're right, it's late in the year to buy, but even with our less-efficient composting set-up, we're still able to add kitchen scraps all year long, throughout the winter, and it never filled up, which tells me that even in cold temps, there's still composting happening.

Dear David,

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'll share this we the community, we are eager to start but still finding our way!

Best wishes, Matthew

Hi,

My Dad is the compost Czar in our household. He has the black plastic compost bin, which looks like Darth Vader's head mask.

Going into winter, he puts aside some dried leaves to mix into the compost as the winter progresses. Most of our compost comes from the kitchen: vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and egg shells. On warm winter days, he opens it up to add kitchen waste mixed with leaves and pours water over it.

If you keep to vegetable matter only, there should be no odors to offend you or attract critters.

Your tax dollars at work: Composting for the Homeowner from the University of Illinois Extension.

Regards,
Cathy2

Dear Cathy2,

Thanks for sharing what your dad does, and also the link to get more information.

Thanks for your help to our community!

Best wishes,
Matthew