Set up an indoor worm bin (vermicomposting)

A worm bin uses red wiggler worms to decompose food scraps indoors with no odor. Set up a bin with bedding (shredded newspaper, cardboard), add 1 pound of red wigglers ($25-35 online), and feed them fruit/vegetable scraps. The worms produce nutrient-rich castings (worm compost) continuously.

Why It Works

Vermicomposting is the most space-efficient composting method. A bin fits under a kitchen sink or in a closet. Red wigglers eat half their body weight daily in food scraps and produce castings that are one of the best natural fertilizers available.

Tips

• Worm Factory 360 ($90-120) is the most popular stackable worm bin
• DIY option: drill holes in two stacked plastic storage bins ($10-15)
• A properly maintained worm bin has no smell — it should smell like fresh earth
• Avoid feeding citrus, onions, and garlic in large quantities (worms dislike them)
• Worm castings are 5-10x more nutrient-rich than regular compost