How to Keep a Compost Bin in Your Office

So, what are you going to do with that apple core, those peapods, or uneaten carrot peelings from your lunch? Well, I can tell you what I do with them. I put them in my office compost bin. Pictured is a tub with a lid that sits in my office next to my computer desk. Yes, I stand at my desk – it’s great! Yes, I can’t have too many blue full-brimmed hats. And, yes, that is a worm-filled compost bin or a vermicomposter in my office.

L to R: Aaron’s office compost set up (and hat collection); adding some veggie scraps; a happy bin resident munching away on the compost.

To get started, you will need: 

1. A plastic container that fits in your office. Start small-ish. Maybe one of those $5 to $10 buckets with lids you can find at those everything-stores.
2. Poke holes in the sides towards the top or in the lid, but not at bottom or in the bottom. If things get squishy, you don’t want it to leak.
3. Place a layer at the bottom about an inch of shredded news paper or dry leaves
4. 1-inch dirt. Any dirt or potting soil will do. I took my soil from my garden at home. (note: some vermicomposter experts will tell you that you don’t need or want soil. I think the soil helps keep things moist and provides a starter kinda like sourdough bread.) 
5. Worms can be purchased from a bait shop, but be careful not to get invasive worms. I use what are called Big Reds, not to be confused with invasive jumping worms. 
6. Add your scraps.

If you want to get started with a compost bin in your office or classroom and need help, send me an email (info@weltycenter.org) and I’ll help you out. And once you have a nice batch of office pets going, send us a photo, we’d love to see how’s it’s going!