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Backyard Food Composting
Some food scraps can be composted right in the backyard.
Worm Composting with a bin
Worms turn kitchen scraps into high-quality compost for your garden. Worm compost, also called vermicompost is rich, so you can use less than regular compost. Build a worm bin, such as the E-ZWorm Composting Bin (PDF, 42 K) buy one locally at some nurseries and garden centers, find one online, or make your own worm bin out of a large plastic tub.
To make a worm bin:
- Buy a tub with tight-fitting lid.
- Make small air holes in the sides using an ice pick or small drill.
- Drill holes in the bottom for drainage.
- Add shredded newspaper, kitchen scraps, and worms.
- Learn how to manage your worm bin kitchen waste (PDF, 133 K)
Sources for Worms and Worm Bins
King County Solid Waste does not endorse or recommend any of the organizations listed below. Please contact the organization before visiting or ordering any materials.
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Worm Composting Supplies |
Organization |
Supplies |
Address |
Contact |
Auburn Sports and Marine |
Worms |
810 Auburn Way N. Auburn, WA |
253-833-1440 |
Cascade Sales |
Worms and worm bins |
3316 E. Smith Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226 |
360-592-5970 or
360-592-0948 (FAX)
http://www.CascadeSales.com |
Elderberry Earthworm Farm |
Worms, worm castings, oak worm bins (will ship 2-3 day priority via U.S. mail in USA) |
5245 Lola Lane, Langley, WA |
360-321-1485 or
360-340-3764 |
Herban Renewal |
Worms |
1352 Pearl St., Seattle, WA |
206-243-8847 |
Minter's Earlington Greenhouse |
Worms |
13043 Renton Ave. S., Seattle, WA |
425-255-7744 |
Molbak's Nursery |
Worm bins and worm bin accessories (worms can be ordered for home delivery) |
13625 NE 175th St., Woodinville, WA |
425-483-5000 |
Red Worms |
Worms and worm bins |
Bellevue, WA |
206-501-8844 |
Seattle Tilth Association |
Worms |
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Seattle, WA |
206-633-0224
http://www.seattletilth.org |
Sky Nursery |
Worms, worm bins and accessories, and composting items |
N.E. 185th St. and Aurora Avenue N., Seattle, WA |
206-546-4851 |
Smith and Hawkin |
Worm Bins |
12200 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA |
425-881-6775 |
Stone Way Hardware |
Worms (will ship via U.S. mail or UPS) |
4318 Stone Way N., Seattle, WA |
206-545-6910 |
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Bury Your Kitchen food scraps
Vegetable food scraps (no meat, bones or dairy) from the kitchen should not be put in your backyard compost bin. Instead, kitchen scraps can be composted in a worm bin or by burying in ornamental garden beds.
To bury food scraps:
- Dig a hole about 1 foot deep.
- Put three to four inches of vegetable food scraps at the bottom of hole.
- Use a shovel to chop and mix the wastes into the soil at the bottom. (no meat, bones or dairy!)
- Cover the waste with at least eight inches of soil to keep rodents and pets from digging it up.
Good for Kitchen Compost
- Vegetable scraps
- Grains and pasta
- Fruit rinds and peels
- Breads and cereals
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags
- Egg shells
- Paper napkins
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Not Good for Kitchen Compost
- Meat
- Fish and poultry
- Cheese
- Oily foods
- Butter
- Other animal products
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What about using my garbage disposal for food waste disposal?
In-sink garbage disposals should only be used for certain types of food waste and liquids from food preparation. Learn more about keeping fats, oils and grease out of the garbage disposal and sewer system. If you're going to use a garbage disposal, take the time to learn more about how to conserve water (external).
Questions about kitchen waste composting and natural yard care? Contact The Natural Lawn and Garden hotline at 206-633-0224 or info@lawnandgardenhotline.org.
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