Worm Composting

To prevent unwanted odors and pests problems, we suggest that food wastes and small amounts of paper be composted using a worm bin. Red worms (Eisenia fetida) can be used to compost food scraps and paper.

The worms live in a 'worm bin' lined with paper 'bedding' -- you simply bury your food waste in the paper and the worms will eat all of your food waste. Worms will eat both the paper and kitchen scraps and excrete worm castings or 'worm compost'.

Worm compost is far more potent than compost made from a backyard pile. There are more nutrients in worm compost, and the nutrients are in a form that makes them even more readily available to plants.

Why doesn't this process smell? It is the rotting portions of food waste that smells. In worm composting, the worms are constantly eating the rotting portions. As long as you don't put in too much food for the worms, they will eat the food as it rots. Therefore, there is no rotting food left to create an odor.

What can and cannot go in the worm bin? With the exception of large quantities of meat, fish or chicken, almost any food scrap can go in the worm bin. The three things that should never go in a worm bin are (1) pet feces, (2) non-biodegradable items, and (3) large quantities of animal protein.